OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i9-7980XE review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£330PassMark multi-core score:29638N. of physical cores:18CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):165 W

Intel Core i9-7980XE Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 27 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i9-7980XE
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

40%

6.6

Technical score

25%

8.0

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

6.6

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 65% of processors
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–²Better than 71%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

60%

6.8

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.3

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 62%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (27)
19 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 72%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i9-7980xe
  • intel-core-i9-7980xe
  • intel-core-i9-7980xe
  • intel-core-i9-7980xe
intel-core-i9-7980xe
intel-core-i9-7980xe
intel-core-i9-7980xe
intel-core-i9-7980xe
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i9-7980XE

Based on 10 · 6

Reviewers praise outstanding multi-core, rendering and encoding speed, but criticise heavy power draw, weak gaming and a steep price.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9-7980XE

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components:

60%

6.8

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.3

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.6
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.7
Processor type
workstation
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 73.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 81.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
18
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 18 CPU cores, which is more than 94.7% of processors and equal to 0.4% of processors.
CPU threads
36
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 36 CPU threads, which is more than 98.2% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
18x 2.6 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 18x2.6 GHz which is higher than that of 94.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
29,638
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 29,638 in PassMark, which is higher than 85.5% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
24.75 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 24.75 MB which is larger than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
L2 cache
18 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 18 MB which is larger than that of 91.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
L1 cache
576 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 576 KB which is larger than that of 72.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i9-7980XE vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 12 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (18 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    18 vs 6
  • 2.58x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,638 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    29,638 vs 11,469
  • 14 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (18 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    18 vs 4
  • 28 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (36 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    36 vs 8
  • 6x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    18 MB vs 3 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (18x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    18x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 19.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 72% of models

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (27)
    19 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 6.7
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP5).
    LGA2066 vs FP5
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 12 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (18 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    18 vs 6
  • 2.58x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,638 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    29,638 vs 11,469
  • 14 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (18 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    18 vs 4
  • 28 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (36 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    36 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (18x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    18x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 6x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    18 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2.75x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24.8 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    24.75 MB vs 9 MB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 50% larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (576 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    576 KB vs 384 KB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • 81.2% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (85 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    85 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor 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
  • 6 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    94 °C vs 100 °C
  • 10 °C higher temperature limit
    This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    110 °C vs 100 °C
  • 72.6% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,428 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,428 vs 5,209
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 25.7% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • 32% more expensive
    Intel Core i9-7980XE is more expensive than the average processor (£330 vs £250).
    £330 vs £250
  • 8.3% lower sentiment score
    6.6 vs 7.2
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 3 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    September 2017
    2017 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 72.6% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,428 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,428 vs 5,209
  • 60.5% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (134.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    134.28 vs 340.075
  • 9.8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (442 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    442 vs 490
  • 4.7% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,439 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,439 vs 2,558
  • 6.9% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,429 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,429 vs 1,535
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 25.7% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
    Skylake vs Kaby Lake
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
AngelSix
≈ estimated
13/10/2018
Overclocking test · stock vs overclocked benchmarks, thermal limits
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE is fairly safe to overclock, but the lid limits thermal headroom, so delidding is the next step.
9.0
El Presente Tech
≈ estimated
18/09/2018
Hands-on review · rendering and gaming multitasking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE suits heavy multitasking, but the graphics card is the limit in 4K gaming.
7.0
I REVIEW
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks, overclocking and power tests
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE offers top multi-core speed for those who can afford it, but its price is hard to justify.
6.0
PC Perspective
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power draw and value
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest Intel desktop chip yet, but Threadripper still offers better value for most buyers.
7.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power draw and cooling
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest processor you can buy, but it is too expensive for most users and mainly worth it for heavy multi-threaded work.
7.0
Smoke TechTips
≈ estimated
08/11/2017
Unboxing · first look at the 18-core processor
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE is expensive and not for everyone, best for heavy multitasking and high-end professional work.
4.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks and value comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest in these tests, but its price premium over AMD is hard to justify for most buyers.
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2017
Review · Overclocking and heat
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest 18-core desktop chip for heavy workloads and overclocking, but it draws up to 450W when overclocked and needs excellent cooling.
6.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2017
Lab test · 18-core desktop chip
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE is the fastest consumer chip you can buy, but its lead over AMD's Threadripper 1950X is narrow in several tests.
7.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab test · Thermals and power
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE runs near 90°C on stock paste; liquid metal cuts about 17°C, but it draws far more power than Threadripper for little extra speed.
8.0
extremetech.com
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab test · Desktop performance
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE is the fastest desktop chip you can buy, but its turbo clock behaved erratically and it is not 50% faster than Threadripper in any test.
8.0
hothardware.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2017
Feature overview · 18-core chip
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores and 36 threads with 44 PCIe lanes, but its all-core boost reaches only about 3.4GHz under load.
8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab test · Overclocking and power
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE is the fastest desktop chip for many-core work and overclocks to 4.5GHz, but it runs near 90°C and draws heavy power.
8.0
hardwarecanucks.com
✓ explicit
28/09/2017
Review · Power and cooling
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE beats Threadripper in multi-threaded professional work, but it draws far more power and needs serious cooling.
8.8
wccftech.com
✓ explicit
30/01/2018
Review · Creative workloads
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE suits video editing and rendering with reasonable stock power draw, but it isn't built for gaming.
8.0
overclockersclub.com
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab test · Overclocking and gaming
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE and i9-7960X are strong multi-core chips that overclock well, but they run very hot and had gaming problems at launch.
8.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2017
Benchmark review · 18-core desktop CPU
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE beats Threadripper 1950X in Cinebench and Excel, but Threadripper still wins encryption and some decompression tests.
9.1
tweaktown.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2017
Lab test · 18-core overclocking
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE overclocks well for an 18-core chip, nearing 1 TFLOPS in AIDA64, but it runs very hot and slows itself down at 4.4GHz.
8.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Benchmark test · 18-core desktop CPU
Verdict
The Core i9-7980XE is Intel's first 18-core desktop chip and the strongest in multi-core work, but it draws a lot of power under load.
9.5
hardwareinside.de
✓ explicit
17/11/2017
Benchmark test · Overclocking and heat
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is the strongest chip for video encoding and rendering, but at 4.4GHz it reaches 98°C and needs a strong power supply.
7.6
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
21/06/2018
Benchmark test · Enthusiast CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest chip for heavy archiving and 3D rendering, but for games the smaller Core i7-8700K runs faster.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
29/09/2017
Lab test · Heavy computing
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an 18-core chip for heavy rendering and video encoding, but it trails in games and lightly threaded apps and is hard to justify for most buyers.
7.0
hardware.fr
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab review · Clock speeds
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE has all 44 PCIe lanes enabled, but its clock drops to 3.4GHz once more than 16 cores are busy, so it suits heavy parallel tasks.
8.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
26/09/2017
Full review · Platform overview
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE suits heavy rendering and overclocking with 18 cores and 44 PCIe lanes, but it needs a new motherboard and lacks native 10Gbps USB.
9.0
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
10/11/2017
Benchmark review · High-end desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is the fastest 18-core chip for heavy rendering, but games are not its strength and it needs a high-end board.
8.0
nl.hardware.info
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Lab review · Overclocking and power
Verdict
The Intel Core i9-7980XE is the 18-core flagship for heavy multi-threaded work, but overclocking needs a special board, custom water cooling and about 550W of system power.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9-7980XE

  • Unmatched multi-threaded performance with 18 cores and 36 threads, ideal for heavy rendering and video editing tasks.
  • Strong single-core performance for an HEDT chip, reaching parity with top-tier gaming CPUs like the i7-7700K in some tests.
  • Significant overclocking headroom, with some reviewers achieving over 4.4 GHz on all cores with proper cooling.
  • Support for 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes and quad-channel memory, providing massive bandwidth for multi-GPU setups and fast storage.
  • Retains the performance crown over competing high-end desktop chips like AMD's first-generation Threadripper in most workstation benchmarks.

What customers don't like about Intel Core i9-7980XE

  • Prohibitively high launch price (roughly $2,000), making it twice as expensive as competing 16-core alternatives.
  • Extreme power consumption under load, with overclocked units drawing 450W to over 800W depending on settings.
  • Requires high-end cooling solutions and a robust X299 motherboard with strong VRMs to prevent thermal throttling.
  • Diminishing returns for gaming; many games cannot effectively utilize 18 cores, offering little benefit over much cheaper consumer CPUs.
  • Intel's use of thermal paste instead of solder under the integrated heat spreader (IHS) can lead to higher operating temperatures compared to soldered competitors.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an Extreme Edition flagship processor from the Skylake-X architecture, featuring a massive 18 cores and 36 threads on the LGA 2066 socket. It operates at a base clock of 2.6 GHz, with a Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency of up to 4.4 GHz, and includes 24.75 MB of L3 cache alongside a 165W TDP. Its primary pros include unparalleled multi-threaded performance for professional content creation, 44 PCIe lanes for extensive expandability, and quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory support. However, its main cons are its extremely high power consumption under load (often exceeding 450W when overclocked), substantial thermal output requiring high-end cooling solutions, and a high initial launch price.

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