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Intel Core i9 10980HK Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$580
  • PassMark benchmark result: 15110
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz

Intel Core i9 10980HK review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

4.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.8

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    8.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.7

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £480

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-10980HK is a high-end mobile processor based on the 14nm Comet Lake-H architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a 2.4 GHz base frequency and a max turbo boost of up to 5.3 GHz. As a flagship chip with a 45W TDP, its primary pros include an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking, superior single-core performance for gaming, and support for up to 128GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. However, main cons include high power consumption and significant heat generation that often leads to thermal throttling in smaller laptop chassis, requiring bulky cooling solutions for optimal performance.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 10980HK

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

5.1
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a technical score of 5.15 points, which is lower than that of 51.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

8.0

Price

6.0
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 65.3% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i9 10980HK belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i9 10980HK uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 10980HK uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Intel Core i9 10980HK has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

16
Intel Core i9 10980HK offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i9 10980HK offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.3 GHz
Intel Core i9 10980HK reaches a boost clock of 5.3 GHz which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 2.4 GHz
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a base clock of 8x2.4 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i9 10980HK uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i9 10980HK is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

16 MB
Intel Core i9 10980HK has an L3 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 64.2% of processors and equal to that of 12.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
Intel Core i9 10980HK has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

512 KB
Intel Core i9 10980HK has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 63.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,933 MHz
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports memory speeds up to 2933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2933 MHz
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.8% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i9 10980HK includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i9 10980HK uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i9 10980HK has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i9 10980HK has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 72.1% of processors and equal to 2.9% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

135 W
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a boost power of 135 W which is higher than that of 82.2% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

56 seconds
Intel Core i9 10980HK has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i9 10980HK supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 35 W
Show more

Intel Core i9 10980HK vs the average processor

  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 41.3% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,933 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,933 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.3,933 vs 2,783
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 50.5% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,215 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,215 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.7,215 vs 4,793
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.8 vs 6
  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 41.3% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,933 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 50.5% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,215 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 17.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,722 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 43.5% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (15,110 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 10.6% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,746 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.3% smaller die size
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 10980HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.11x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (135 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2.11x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (135 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (135 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.135 W vs 64 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10980HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 10980HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 92% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 10980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 10980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).£480 vs £250
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 10980HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 10980HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.AES vs AES, SHA
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i9 10980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).FCBGA1440 vs FP2
Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 10980HK and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 10980HK?

  • Fastest Intel 14nm mobile processor at its launch, offering top-tier single-threaded performance for gaming and apps like Adobe Photoshop
  • Better silicon binning compared to the i7-10875H, allowing it to maintain higher clock speeds within the same power envelope
  • Fully unlocked multiplier provides high flexibility for enthusiast overclocking and undervolting
  • Excellent for high-end productivity tasks that leverage both many cores and high frequencies, such as 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve
  • Frequently paired with premium high-end GPUs (e.g., RTX 2080 Super) in flagship gaming laptops

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 10980HK?

  • Significant thermal challenges, often reaching 100°C and thermal throttling without aggressive cooling or undervolting
  • Poor value for money compared to AMD Ryzen 4000/5000 series, which offered similar or better multi-core performance at a much lower cost
  • Extremely high power consumption, making it inefficient for battery use and unsuitable for thin-and-light laptop designs
  • Diminishing returns over high-end i7 models (like the 10875H) for standard gaming workloads given the high price premium
  • Requires bulky laptop chassis with complex cooling solutions to achieve its advertised boost speeds

Expert reviews

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laptopmedia.com
02/06/2020
Intel Core i9-10980HK vs Core i7-10750H - none of these two is a real winner

According to LaptopMedia, neither the Intel Core i9-10980HK nor the Core i7-10750H offers superior value, as both suffer from high prices or underwhelming performance compared to competitors. The i9-10980HK delivers high 5.30 GHz boost speeds for heavy tasks, but requires extreme cooling and power. Conversely, the i7-10750H is a more affordable, 6-core option for daily use but...Read more

T
techspot.com
05/06/2020
Intel Core i9-10980HK Review: Flagship Laptop CPU

The Intel Core i9-10980HK is a 10th-gen 8-core/16-thread flagship mobile processor, providing top-tier single-core performance and superior all-core sustained clocks for heavy productivity tasks when paired with robust cooling. While delivering high-frequency capabilities for gaming, it requires high power (over 75W) to compete, resulting in lower efficiency and requiring thick...Read more

M
minipc-review.com
20/02/2026
Intel Core i9-10980HK Mini PC Review: AliExpress's Most Affordable 8-Core Beast?

The reviewed mini PC, powered by an 8-core Intel Core i9-10980HK, offers high-performance computing in a compact, under-15cm chassis for approximately $250–$350. Key hardware includes support for 32GB DDR4 RAM, up to 2TB NVMe SSDs, WiFi 6, and dual Gigabit LAN, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious power users needing productivity or virtualization capabilities....Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
11/09/2020
Alienware m15 R3 Review: A Truly Portable High-End Gaming Laptop

The Alienware m15 R3, tested by Hardwareluxx, is a 15-inch gaming laptop featuring a high-quality magnesium alloy chassis and a "Luna Light" finish. It delivers strong performance via an Intel Core i7-10750H and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER, capable of pushing high frame rates on its 300Hz display. Key advantages include an upgraded vapor chamber cooling system with improved fan...Read more

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H
hardwareluxx.de
04/08/2020
Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR XB Review: A Solid Refresh

The Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR XB acts as a refined, high-performance workstation featuring an Intel Core i7-10875H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, housed in a professional matte black chassis. Its primary strength is the exceptional 17.3-inch 4K HDR, X-Rite Pantone-certified display, which offers high brightness (over 500 nits) and perfect color accuracy for content creators....Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
imtest.de
14/09/2021
Alienware m15 R4 Review: Is the Expensive Laptop Worth It?

The Alienware m15 R4 is a high-end, stylish gaming notebook that delivers top-tier performance, driven by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 and an Intel Core i9-10980HK, achieving exceptional frame rates in 4K resolution. The device features a very fast 1TB SSD and an optional, crisp mechanical keyboard (a 100 Euro extra), though the keyboard keys are quite loud. While praising the...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
11/02/2021
All our articles tagged Core i9-10980HK

The Intel Core i9-10980HK is a high-performance 14nm Comet Lake-H processor featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 5.30 GHz boost clock, offering up to a 13% performance boost over the i9-9980HK. Pros include its unlocked multiplier for overclocking and top-tier single-core performance, though it faces stiff competition in multi-core tasks from AMD's 7nm processors. The processor's...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
30/06/2026
Intel Core i9-10980HK | LaptopMedia

The Intel Core i9-10980HK is an 8-core, 16-thread processor topping the Comet Lake-H series, boasting boost clocks up to 5.30 GHz with an unlocked multiplier. Pros include superior silicon binning for better sustained performance compared to lower-tier chips and excellent single-threaded speed. It provides a 13% uplift in 3D rendering over the previous generation (i9-9980HK) and...Read more

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T
tomstech.nl
17/11/2020
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Review

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 (GX550) is a high-performance gaming laptop featuring an innovative, tilting 14.1-inch ScreenPad Plus that enhances both multitasking and cooling. Driven by top-tier specs like an Intel Core i9-10980HK and NVIDIA RTX 2080 Super (Max-Q), the device excels in performance but comes at a premium price point. Key drawbacks include an uncomfortable,...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.nl
10/07/2021
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX582LR-H2002R Review

The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582LR) is a high-end workstation for creatives featuring a 15.6-inch 4K OLED primary display and a 14-inch tilting ScreenPad Plus that enhances ergonomics and airflow. Powered by an Intel Core i9-10980HK and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, it delivers strong performance for professional rendering, although the fans can reach 55 decibels under load....Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
11/02/2021
All our articles tagged Core i9-10980HK

The Intel Core i9-10980HK is an 8-core, 16-thread high-end mobile processor built on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, offering a 2.40 GHz base clock and up to 5.30 GHz boost via Thermal Velocity. A key feature is the unlocked multiplier for overclocking, designed for maximum performance, though it necessitates a robust cooling system to maintain efficiency. Performance pros...Read more

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