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 i9-7980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,634 points. Launch price was $1,999.

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 i9-7980XE

#379

Core 2 Duo E4700

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

102%

#380

Core i3-530

MSRP: $113|Avg: $15

102%

#381

Pentium G3260

MSRP: $64|Avg: $21

102%

#382

Core i3-12300

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

102%

#383

Core i7-4765T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

102%

#384

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

102%

#385

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

102%

#386

Core i7-7700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $75

101%

#387

Core i5-10505

MSRP: $192|Avg: $120

101%

#388

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

101%

#389

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

101%

#390

Ryzen 3 4300G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

101%

#391

Ryzen 9 3950X

MSRP: $749|Avg: $389

100%

#392

Athlon II X2 260u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

100%

#393

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

100%

#394

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

100%

#395

Athlon II X3 415e

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

100%

#396

Ryzen 5 PRO 4655G

MSRP: $165|Avg: $165

100%

#397

Athlon X4 870K

MSRP: $90|Avg: $35

100%

#398

Core i3-7300

MSRP: $184|Avg: $46

99%

#399

Ryzen 7 4700GE

MSRP: $299|Avg: $200

99%

#400

Athlon II X4 610e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $20

99%

#401

Core i5-10400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $100

99%

#402

Core i5-7500

MSRP: $199|Avg: $65

99%

#403

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

99%

#404

Core i5-2500T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

99%

#405

Core i5-10600KF

MSRP: $250|Avg: $145

99%

#406

Athlon X2 BE-2350

MSRP: $90|Avg: $10

99%

#407

Ryzen 3 PRO 3200GE

MSRP: $99|Avg: $70

99%

#408

Core i5-8400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $95

98%

#409

Core i5-7600T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $60

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-7980XE across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-7980XE specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-7980XE is a 18-core / 36-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24.75 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (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 29,634, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-7980XE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	24.75 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	484 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	94 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	29,634

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7980XE fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 44 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i9-7980XE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i9
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	44
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i9-7980XE is primarily designed for Workstation. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i9-7980XE
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Workstation
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-7980XE has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-7980XE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	94 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $300 (MSRP: $1999), the Core i9-7980XE delivers 99 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #443 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-7980XE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1999
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$300
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,999
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#443
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel