CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-9980XE vs Intel Core i9-9990XE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread high-end desktop processor built on the Skylake-X architecture and manufactured on Intel’s 14nm++ process. Designed for the LGA2066 platform, it offers quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory support, 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and aggressive turbo frequencies up to 4.5 GHz via Turbo Boost Max 3.0, making it aimed at content creators, workstation users, and enthusiasts who need massive multi-threaded performance and ample I/O. Intel markets it as a 9th-gen Core X-Series part, but under the hood it is a Skylake-X refresh rather than a new microarchitecture, with the same 18-core die as the earlier i9-7980XE but higher clocks and solder thermal interface material for improved thermals. Launched in Q4 2018 and now discontinued, it was Intel’s flagship HEDT CPU until the Cascade Lake-X i9-10980XE arrived in late 2019.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-threaded performance in rendering, encoding, and other heavily threaded applications, though core-for-core efficiency lags newer architectures.
Very strong multi-threaded performance for Adobe apps, rendering, and simulation workloads, competitive with or slightly ahead of the 18-core i9-9980XE in some tests.
Gaming
Still capable of high-refresh-rate gaming and often faster than Threadripper in lightly threaded titles, but newer mainstream CPUs with higher IPC and efficiency generally surpass it for pure gaming.
Capable of high-refresh-rate gaming thanks to strong single-core clocks, but modern gaming-focused CPUs often deliver better minimums and efficiency at far lower cost.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple VMs thanks to 18 cores, 36 threads, quad-channel memory, and abundant PCIe lanes for storage and networking.
Good for running several VMs thanks to 14 cores and quad-channel memory, but high power draw and lack of warranty are concerns for 24/7 use.
Efficiency
High power consumption and heat output under load; requires robust cooling and a quality PSU, especially when overclocked.
Extremely low efficiency; 255 W TDP at base frequency and much higher real power draw under all-core boost makes it one of the most power-hungry HEDT CPUs of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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.
- No dedicated AI or matrix hardware; AI workloads rely on AVX-512 and CPU-based inference.
- Suitable for small-scale CPU inference and prototyping, but not competitive with modern NPUs or GPUs.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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.
- High clock speeds give strong single-threaded performance for high-refresh-rate gaming.
- 14 cores are underutilized in most games, which favor fewer faster cores.
- Modern gaming CPUs (e.g., 13th/14th Gen Core i9, Ryzen 7000) often deliver better gaming performance per watt and per dollar.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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.
Pros
- 14 cores and 28 threads with strong multi-threaded throughput
- Up to 5.1 GHz single-core and 5.0 GHz all-core turbo for its generation
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and storage expansion
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with support for up to 128 GB RAM
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking
- Highly binned silicon with STIM for improved thermal transfer
Cons
- Extremely high 255 W TDP and real-world power draw far above that under load
- No warranty from Intel and no guaranteed availability
- Auction-only distribution makes it virtually unobtainable for normal users
- Old 14 nm process and platform with no upgrade path beyond X299
- Outperformed by newer CPUs in efficiency and often in raw performance per dollar
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i9-9990XE
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9940XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Intel Xeon W-3175XRival
Workstation
Newer 18-core Cascade Lake-X CPU with better pricing, better efficiency, and a more standard distribution model.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Modern 12-core AM5 CPU with much higher efficiency, DDR5, and strong gaming and creator performance at a lower price point.
Hybrid architecture with excellent gaming and creator performance, far better efficiency, and a mainstream platform with long-term support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960XAlt
24-core HEDT CPU with quad-channel memory and more PCIe lanes, offering significantly more multi-threaded headroom for similar money.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewAn extraordinarily fast but impractical CPU: stellar clocks and multi-threaded performance for its era, but extreme power draw, no warranty, and near-zero availability make it a collector’s item rather than a practical purchase.
Best for: Boutique workstation integrator with existing X299 inventory and a specific need for the highest possible clocks on 14 cores, regardless of cost or warranty.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i9-9980XE or Intel Core i9-9990XE?
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 i9-9980XE or Intel Core i9-9990XE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9990XE leads with a gaming performance score of 81/100 among Intel Core i9-9980XE and Intel Core i9-9990XE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-9980XE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-9980XE (165 W), Intel Core i9-9990XE (255 W).
Do Intel Core i9-9980XE and Intel Core i9-9990XE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-9980XE: FCLGA2066, Intel Core i9-9990XE: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9980XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-9980XE (18 cores), Intel Core i9-9990XE (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-9990XE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-9990XE (23,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.