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 i7-980X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 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: 6,817 points. Launch price was $959.

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 i7-980X

#749

Pentium G3420T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $40

105%

#750

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

105%

#751

Core i5-4440

MSRP: $184|Avg: $101

104%

#752

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

104%

#753

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

104%

#754

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

104%

#755

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

104%

#756

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

104%

#757

Core i3-8300

MSRP: $138|Avg: $136

103%

#758

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

103%

#759

Core i5-4690

MSRP: $272|Avg: $120

102%

#760

Core i5-8500B

MSRP: $192|Avg: $192

102%

#761

Core i7-13700TE

MSRP: $390|Avg: $476

102%

#762

FX-8350

MSRP: $199|Avg: $130

100%

#763

Core i5-6500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $123

100%

#764

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

100%

#765

Core i9-11900T

MSRP: $439|Avg: $413

99%

#766

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2200

99%

#767

Athlon 64 3000+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $10

99%

#768

Core i9-10900

MSRP: $483|Avg: $426

99%

#769

Athlon 64 FX-72

MSRP: $799|Avg: $40

99%

#770

Ryzen Embedded V1605B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

99%

#771

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

99%

#772

Core i9-10900K

MSRP: $499|Avg: $500

98%

#773

Celeron G4930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $57

98%

#774

Phenom X4 9750B

MSRP: $215|Avg: $34

98%

#775

Ryzen 7 2700E

MSRP: $329|Avg: $329

98%

#776

Core i5-6402P

MSRP: $182|Avg: $120

98%

#777

Ryzen Embedded V2516

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

98%

#778

Core i5-3550S

MSRP: $205|Avg: $100

98%

#779

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2442

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-980X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-980X 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 6,817, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-980X
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	6.4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,817

🧠

Memory & Platform

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

Specification	Core i7-980X
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 i7-980X 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 i7-980X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $150 (MSRP: $999), the Core i7-980X delivers 45 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1609 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-980X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$999
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$150
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$959
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1609
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel