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Intel Core i9 9980HK Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£510
  • Avg. price in US: ~$580
  • PassMark benchmark result: 13932
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

Intel Core i9 9980HK review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

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%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

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%

4.1

Performance

18.0%

5.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.7

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

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

  • 4.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.4

    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

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £510

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 i9-9980HK is a high-performance 9th-generation mobile processor based on the 14nm++ Coffee Lake Refresh architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a 16MB Smart Cache. It operates at a 2.4 GHz base frequency and can reach a maximum turbo boost of 5.0 GHz via Thermal Velocity Boost, notably offering an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Main pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance for 4K video editing and professional workflows, along with support for up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 RAM and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. However, its significant power demands often lead to high operating temperatures near 100°C and potential thermal throttling, making its peak performance highly dependent on a laptop's cooling solution.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9980HK

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

4.8
Intel Core i9 9980HK has a technical score of 4.85 points, which is lower than that of 57.1% 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 9980HK 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%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

7.8

Price

5.7
Intel Core i9 9980HK has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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

QM370, HM370
Intel Core i9 9980HK supports QM370, HM370 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 61.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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

5.0 GHz
Intel Core i9 9980HK reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% 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 9980HK has a base clock of 8x2.4 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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/LPDDR3
Intel Core i9 9980HK supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR3, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% 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

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9980HK supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% 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

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9980HK supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% 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

?
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 9980HK supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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)
Intel Core i9 9980HK supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 71% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
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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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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

?
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

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 9980HK has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% 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 9980HK supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 9980HK vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 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 9980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK 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
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.8 vs 6
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    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

    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.16 MB vs 8 MB
  • 25.9% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,503 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 9980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,503 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.3,503 vs 2,783
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 25.9% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,503 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 32.3% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (13,932 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i9 9980HK supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 9980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 9980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9980HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 70.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,415 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 9980HK supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 70.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,415 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 9980HK has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,415 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,415 vs 4,793
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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 9980HK 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 9980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES 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 9980HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2.04x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 9980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£510 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 9980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£510 vs £250).£510 vs £250
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.AES vs AES, SHA
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 9980HK 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 9980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).FCBGA1440 vs FP2
  • 10.9% worse value for money
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has worse value for money than the average processor (5.74 vs 6.367).
    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.
    Intel Core i9 9980HK has worse value for money than the average processor (5.74 vs 6.367).5.74 vs 6.37
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Platform
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Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9980HK and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9980HK?

  • Top-tier performance for multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, and code compilation
  • High boost clock speeds of up to 5.0 GHz provide excellent single-core responsiveness for gaming
  • Unlocked multiplier allows enthusiasts to overclock for additional performance headroom
  • Significant 8-core/16-thread architecture offers a major upgrade over previous 6-core generations for heavy multitasking
  • Desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor, comparable to the i9-9900K in well-cooled systems

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9980HK?

  • Runs extremely hot under load, frequently hitting thermal limits and requiring high-end cooling solutions
  • High power consumption can lead to 'power limit throttling' in thinner laptop chassis
  • Loud fan noise is often necessary to manage the significant heat output during intensive tasks
  • Requires bulky laptop designs and sometimes dual power bricks to reach its full performance potential
  • Performance is highly dependent on the laptop's specific thermal design; poorly cooled units may perform like lower-tier i7 chips

Expert reviews

L
laptopmedia.com
02/01/2020
Intel Core i9-9980HK vs i9-9880H - the battle of the behemoths

The Intel Core i9-9980HK and i9-9880H are closely matched 9th Gen 8-core, 16-thread processors sharing a 45W TDP, with the i9-9980HK offering higher clock speeds (up to 5.00 GHz) and slightly faster integrated graphics. While the i9-9980HK provides roughly 8% better synthetic performance, LaptopMedia notes that this advantage is minimal in daily tasks like video editing or data...Read more

L
legitreviews.com
15/04/2020
Intel NUC 9 Extreme Review - Ghost Canyon with Core i9-9980HK

The Legit Reviews analysis of the Intel NUC 9 Extreme "Ghost Canyon" highlights a modular 5-litre system featuring an Intel Core i9-9980HK, capable of desktop-level performance in a compact form factor. Key pros include support for 8-inch discrete GPUs, allowing capable 1080p/1440p gaming, alongside an efficient 500W PSU and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. However, the review identifies...Read more

N
notebooks-und-mobiles.de
17/09/2019
Coffee Lake – Intel Core i9-9980HK Review

The Intel Core i9-9980HK, reviewed by Notebooks und Mobiles, is an 8-core, 16-thread flagship mobile processor offering exceptional multi-core performance (roughly 33% faster than its 6-core predecessors) and a 5.0 GHz boost clock. Its unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking, making it ideal for high-end gaming laptops and workstations. However, the chip faces significant heat...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
10/03/2020
Intel Core i9-10980HK vs Intel Core i9-9980HK – performance comparison

The Intel Core i9-9980HK is a high-performance 8-core/16-thread "Coffee Lake" refresh processor designed for power users, offering roughly an 8% performance advantage over the i9-9880H at 5.00 GHz. Pros include immense multi-threaded power for professional tasks, an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and support for up to 128GB of RAM, making it suitable for demanding,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
geeknetic.es
12/10/2020
Intel NUC 9 Extreme NUC9i9QNX Review

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme (NUC9i9QNX), also known as "Ghost Canyon," features a modular Compute Element design in a 5-liter chassis that supports 8-inch discrete GPUs, offering high-end performance in a compact form factor. It is powered by an 8-core Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, with effective vapor chamber cooling keeping temperatures manageable during heavy workloads. Despite its...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
27/11/2020
All our articles tagged Core i9-9980HK

The Intel Core i9-9980HK is a high-performance 8-core, 16-thread processor based on the 14nm++ Coffee Lake architecture, capable of reaching 5.00 GHz and delivering superior multi-threaded performance in 3D rendering and video editing. Key advantages include an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and a 33% performance boost over 6-core predecessors, though its actual performance is...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
ct.nl
03/03/2021
Intel NUC 9 Extreme: mini gaming PC with Intel Compute Element

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme ("Ghost Canyon") introduces a modular "Compute Element" design, housing the CPU, RAM, and SSD on a removable PCIe card within a 5-liter chassis. It supports dual-slot discrete graphics cards up to 20cm, offering high-end gaming and productivity performance with up to a Core i9-9980HK processor. Despite its premium build, internal 500W PSU, and efficient...Read more

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