PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i7-980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,890 points. Launch price was $1,109.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-980

#167

Core i7-6850K

MSRP: $617|Avg: $80

103%

#168

Core i5-3570K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

103%

#169

Ryzen 9 5900XT

MSRP: $349|Avg: $311

103%

#170

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

102%

#171

Core i7-4770

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

102%

#172

Core i5-12500

MSRP: $212|Avg: $140

102%

#173

Core i5-3570

MSRP: $194|Avg: $35

102%

#174

A4 PRO-7350B

MSRP: $50|Avg: $11

102%

#175

Core i5-14600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $275

102%

#176

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

102%

#177

Ryzen 7 7700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $246

101%

#178

Core i5-13400F

MSRP: $196|Avg: $180

101%

#179

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

101%

#180

Core i3-12100T

MSRP: $125|Avg: $90

101%

#181

Core i7-11700F

MSRP: $298|Avg: $150

100%

#182

Core i7-980

MSRP: $583|Avg: $50

100%

#183

Athlon X4 850

MSRP: $77|Avg: $20

100%

#184

Core i3-10105F

MSRP: $97|Avg: $65

99%

#185

Core i5-9400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

99%

#186

Core i7-12700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $250

99%

#187

Core i5-6500T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $35

99%

#188

Ryzen 7 1800X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $120

99%

#189

Core i5-12490F

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

99%

#190

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

98%

#191

Ryzen 5 1500X

MSRP: $189|Avg: $67

98%

#192

Ryzen 5 5600GT

MSRP: $140|Avg: $150

98%

#193

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

98%

#194

Ryzen 5 PRO 5655G

MSRP: $146|Avg: $146

98%

#195

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

98%

#196

Core i3-8100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $45

98%

#197

Core i3-4330TE

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-980 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-980 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-980 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3.33 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,890, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-980
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.33 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Gulftown (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	239 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,170 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4.8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,890

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-980
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-980 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-980
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $583), the Core i7-980 delivers 138 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1599 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-980
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$583
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,109
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1599
Release DateLaunch date	26 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel