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 i9-9980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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. Passmark benchmark score: 29,127 points. Launch price was $1,979.

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 i9-9980XE

#728

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

105%

#729

Core i7-3770T

MSRP: $278|Avg: $105

105%

#730

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

105%

#731

A8-3800

MSRP: $130|Avg: $40

104%

#732

Core i7-5775C

MSRP: $366|Avg: $150

104%

#733

Core i7-7800X

MSRP: $383|Avg: $254

104%

#734

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

103%

#735

Pentium G3420

MSRP: $86|Avg: $40

103%

#736

Athlon 64 3200+

MSRP: $417|Avg: $10

103%

#737

Core i7-2600K

MSRP: $317|Avg: $109

102%

#738

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

102%

#739

Pentium G6950

MSRP: $87|Avg: $25

102%

#740

Core 2 Duo E8500

MSRP: $26|Avg: $26

102%

#741

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

101%

#742

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

100%

#743

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

100%

#744

Core i3-10100T

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

100%

#745

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

99%

#746

Core i3-4150

MSRP: $281|Avg: $70

99%

#747

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

99%

#748

Core i3-3245

MSRP: $120|Avg: $50

98%

#749

Pentium G3420T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $40

97%

#750

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

97%

#751

Core i5-4440

MSRP: $184|Avg: $101

97%

#752

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

96%

#753

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

96%

#754

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

96%

#755

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

96%

#756

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

96%

#757

Core i3-8300

MSRP: $138|Avg: $136

95%

#758

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-9980XE across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-9980XE specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-9980XE 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 4.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3 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 29,127, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,459, while multi-core reaches 12,177. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 22,000.

Specification	Core i9-9980XE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 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)	84 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	29,127
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	22,000
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,459
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	12,177

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9980XE fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 44 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 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 i9-9980XE
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
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
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X299
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i9-9980XE is primarily designed for HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. 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). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.

Specification	Core i9-9980XE
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation
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
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-9980XE 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: LGA2066 360mm AIO.

Specification	Core i9-9980XE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	84 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	LGA2066 360mm AIO

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $593 (MSRP: $1979), the Core i9-9980XE delivers 49 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #453 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-9980XE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1979
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$593
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,979
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#453
Release DateLaunch date	19 October 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel