CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-7980XE vs Intel Core i9-9920X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread high-end desktop processor built on the Skylake-X architecture, featuring quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and a 165 W TDP for workstation-class workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong multi-threaded throughput suited to content creation and scientific calculations.
Very strong in multi-threaded creator applications; competitive with early 2nd-gen Threadripper and superior to mainstream 8-core parts of its era.
Gaming
Playable at high frame rates in modern titles, but typically behind newer gaming-focused CPUs in single-threaded performance.
Smooth high-refresh gameplay at 1440p in most titles, but newer mainstream CPUs often deliver better minimums and efficiency.
Virtualization
Plentiful cores and PCIe lanes make it excellent for running multiple VMs and storage/network add-ins.
Excellent for running multiple VMs due to high core count, quad-channel memory, and VT-d/VT-x support.
Efficiency
High power consumption relative to modern alternatives; efficiency lags newer platforms.
High power draw and heat output under load; significantly less efficient than modern 12-core and 16-core CPUs from both Intel and AMD.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPUs; relies on AVX-512 for vectorized inference
- Suitable for small-scale experimentation and older models on CPU
- No dedicated AI or matrix hardware beyond AVX-512.
- Can handle CPU-based inference for small models, but is outclassed by modern NPUs and GPUs for serious AI workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Capable of high-refresh gaming when paired with strong GPUs
- Single-core performance is lower than contemporary gaming-focused CPUs
- Platform lacks upgrade path to newer CPUs
- High single-core boost (4.4/4.5 GHz) keeps frame rates high in CPU-heavy titles.
- Quad-channel memory can help in some CPU-limited scenarios.
- Modern 6–8 core mainstream CPUs often match or beat it in gaming while using less power.
- Best paired with a high-end GPU for balanced system; GPU bottlenecks are more likely at 4K.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 18 cores and 36 threads for heavy parallel workloads
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multiple GPUs and NVMe drives
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory
- AVX-512 support for specialized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Strong multi-threaded performance in its era
Cons
- High power draw and thermal density
- No integrated graphics
- LGA2066/X299 platform effectively discontinued
- Lower per-core performance than newer generations
- DDR4-only memory support
Pros
- 12 cores and 24 threads for heavily threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and fast storage.
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with up to 128 GB official support.
- AVX-512 support for specialized vectorized workloads.
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on X299.
- Strong multi-threaded performance for its era.
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and real-world power draw under load.
- 14 nm Skylake-X is less efficient than modern architectures.
- No integrated graphics; discrete GPU required.
- X299 platform is discontinued with no upgrade path beyond Cascade Lake-X.
- Newer CPUs (Ryzen 9 3900X, 12th+ gen Intel) often offer better performance per watt and per dollar.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i9-7980XE
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WXAlt
Higher core counts for workstation workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
Much higher efficiency and strong multi-core performance.
Newer X-series HEDT with refinements and more PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3955WXAlt
Pro-grade platform with more memory channels and I/O.
Strong single- and multi-core performance on a current mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i9-9920X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7900XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
Much faster for gaming and lightly threaded tasks, with far better efficiency and a modern platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Modern 12C/24T Zen 4 CPU with DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and significantly lower power draw.
Higher performance in both gaming and productivity with a newer feature set, though also high power.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A flagship HEDT chip with massive multi-threaded throughput and abundant I/O, but high power draw and aging platform make it a specialist choice today.
Best for: Secondary workstation or used-market build needing lots of PCIe lanes and cores on a budget
Read the full reviewA capable HEDT CPU with excellent multi-threaded performance and expansive I/O, but high power consumption and an aging platform make it primarily interesting for used workstation builds rather than new systems.
Best for: Used workstation or HEDT build where X299, quad-channel memory, and many PCIe lanes are requirements, and a modern platform upgrade is not feasible.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core i9-7980XE and Intel Core i9-9920X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-7980XE: LGA2066, Intel Core i9-9920X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7980XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-7980XE (18 cores), Intel Core i9-9920X (12 cores).