CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-7980XE vs Intel Core i9-9980XE
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
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
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 acceleration like Intel DL Boost or AVX-512 BF16.
- AVX-512 is present, but focused on traditional HPC/rendering workloads.
- Only suitable for CPU-based AI inference or small models; GPU acceleration is preferred for serious AI work.
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
- Strong single-threaded and light-threaded performance thanks to high turbo clocks.
- Often outperforms 1st- and 2nd-gen Threadripper in games at similar core counts.
- Modern gaming-focused CPUs (e.g., Intel 13th/14th gen, AMD Ryzen 7000) are usually faster and more efficient.
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
- 18 cores and 36 threads for demanding multi-threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and high-speed storage configurations.
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with up to 128 GB capacity and high bandwidth.
- Solder thermal interface material improves cooling and turbo behavior.
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on X299 motherboards.
- Strong all-round performance in both lightly and heavily threaded tasks.
Cons
- Very high street price at launch and weak value versus AMD Threadripper.
- High power consumption and heat output, requiring robust cooling and PSU.
- 14nm++ process is now outdated, with much more efficient alternatives available.
- No integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU.
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond LGA2066/X299.
- AVX-512 and feature set lag newer Intel and AMD architectures for some workloads.
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 i9-9980XE
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
HEDT / Creator
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WXRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
- Intel Xeon W-3175XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Much more efficient, modern platform (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0), and strong creator performance at a lower price point.
Far better gaming and single-threaded performance with higher efficiency on a mainstream platform, though with fewer PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper (3rd gen or later)Alt
Higher core counts, more PCIe lanes, and better multi-threaded performance for serious workstation use.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
More balanced performance-per-watt and modern features if you don’t need extreme core counts or lots of PCIe lanes.
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 very powerful HEDT CPU with strong multi-threaded performance and excellent I/O, but high power consumption and a steep price make it hard to recommend over AMD’s Threadripper alternatives unless you specifically need Intel’s platform features.
Best for: Used or heavily discounted upgrade for an existing X299 workstation where you need maximum cores and PCIe lanes without replacing the motherboard.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i9-7980XE or Intel Core i9-9980XE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-9980XE comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i9-7980XE or Intel Core i9-9980XE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9980XE leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i9-7980XE and Intel Core i9-9980XE.
Do Intel Core i9-7980XE and Intel Core i9-9980XE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-7980XE: LGA2066, Intel Core i9-9980XE: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.