CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-9920X vs Intel Core i9-9980XE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-9920X is a 12-core, 24-thread high-end desktop processor built on the Skylake-X architecture for the LGA2066 X299 platform, designed for content creators and workstation users who need many PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory alongside strong multi-threaded performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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 i9-9920X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Intel Core i9-7900XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Much faster for gaming and lightly threaded tasks, with far better efficiency and a modern platform.
- 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
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 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 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 i9-9920X 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 i9-9920X or Intel Core i9-9980XE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9980XE leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i9-9920X and Intel Core i9-9980XE.
Do Intel Core i9-9920X and Intel Core i9-9980XE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the FCLGA2066 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9980XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-9920X (12 cores), Intel Core i9-9980XE (18 cores).