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Intel Core i9 9980XE Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£570
PassMark benchmark result: 31507
N. of physical cores: 18
CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

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

6.4

Good

6.3

Good

7.4

Very good

4.9
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
4.3
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.0
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
6.1
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
4.5
L3 cache
8.0%
7.5
N. of physical cores
6.6
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
5.3
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
7.5
N. of physical cores
20.0%
10
CPU threads
15.0%
4.5
L3 cache

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#28 in Best Workstation CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is a flagship Extreme Edition processor featuring 18 cores and 36 threads built on a 14nm architecture for the LGA 2066 socket. It operates at a base frequency of 3.0 GHz with a maximum Turbo Boost 3.0 speed of 4.5 GHz, supported by 24.75 MB of L3 cache and a 165W TDP. Main pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance for professional content creation, quad-channel memory support, and improved thermals due to the use of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM). However, notable cons include its high power consumption, expensive launch price, and the fact that it is often outperformed in gaming and single-core tasks by cheaper mainstream processors like the i9-9900K.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9980XE

Overall score

6.4

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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.

Platform

7.6

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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

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

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

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

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Performance

6.4

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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+

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+

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

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

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

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Cache & Architecture

6.5

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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

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

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

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

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

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Memory & PCIe

7.2

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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

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

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

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

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Integrated Graphics

3.4

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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

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

?

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

N/A

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Power & Thermal

3.1

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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

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

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

?

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

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Intel Core i9 9980XE vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 9980XE better than the average processor?

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3.16x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,791 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 9980XE has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,791 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.8,791 vs 2,783
12 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more CPU cores than the average processor (18 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 9980XE has more CPU cores than the average processor (18 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.18 vs 6
28 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more CPU threads than the average processor (36 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 9980XE has more CPU threads than the average processor (36 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.36 vs 8
2.99x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (31,507 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (31,507 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.31,507 vs 10,532.5
7.2x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
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
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.18 MB vs 2.5 MB
28 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=20
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.44 vs 16
2.34x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,223 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 9980XE has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,223 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.11,223 vs 4,793
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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 9980XE has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i9 9980XE uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
Higher-end processor class
Intel Core i9 9980XE belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
3.16x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,791 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
12 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more CPU cores than the average processor (18 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
28 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more CPU threads than the average processor (36 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
2.99x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (31,507 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
2.34x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,223 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 9980XE has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
4.7% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
7.2x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
3.09x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24.8 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
3x larger L1 cache
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,152 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
2x more L2 per core
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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.
28 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i9 9980XE supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
85.6% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (85 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i9 9980XE has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.

Cache & Architecture

Why is Intel Core i9 9980XE worse than the average processor?

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No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i9 9980XE does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
2 year/s older release date
Intel Core i9 9980XE has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
November 2018
68.6% slower Blender rendering
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (104.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
2.72x larger die size
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
19.8% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 9980XE has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i9 9980XE uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
2 fewer memory channels
Intel Core i9 9980XE has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
9.1% lower memory speed
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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.
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i9 9980XE does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
2.58x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
3.67x higher base power
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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.
3.67x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 9980XE does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
68.6% slower Blender rendering
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (104.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >290
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (104.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.104.3 vs 331.88
2.58x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 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 9980XE has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.165 W vs 64 W
3.67x higher base power
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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.
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
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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
2.72x larger die size
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².484 mm² vs 178 mm²
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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 9980XE 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
19.8% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 9980XE has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i9 9980XE has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
3.67x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 9980XE has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
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
Intel Core i9 9980XE 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
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 9980XE does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
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
Intel Core i9 9980XE does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9980XE and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9980XE?

Flagship-class performance with 18 cores and 36 threads for heavy multi-threaded workloads like video rendering and 3D modeling.
Higher stock and turbo frequencies compared to its predecessor (i9-7980XE), leading to out-of-the-box speed gains.
Inclusion of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) improves thermal conductivity between the die and heat spreader.
Strong gaming performance for an HEDT chip, avoiding the major bottlenecks often seen in high-core-count competitors.
Supports cutting-edge platform features like Thunderbolt 3 and quad-channel memory.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9980XE?

Extremely high MSRP (approximately $2,000) results in poor performance-per-dollar compared to AMD Threadripper alternatives.
Significant power consumption under load, reaching over 340 watts in some stress tests.
Can be thermally constrained even with the new solder, often requiring high-end custom liquid cooling for stable overclocking.
Fewer PCIe lanes (44) compared to AMD's Threadripper platform (64), which can limit multi-GPU or storage configurations.
Marginal performance improvement over the previous generation for users who already own an i9-7980XE.

Expert reviews

hardwarecanucks.com

13/11/2018

Intel i9-9980XE Performance Review

The Hardware Canucks review of the Intel Core i9-9980XE characterizes the 18-core, 36-thread processor as an incremental 7-10% performance refresh of the i9-7980XE, highlighting that the 14nm architecture has reached its limit. While the adoption of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) improves heat management, the chip remains highly power-hungry, offering only marginal gains...Read more

pcper.com

13/11/2018

The Intel Core i9-9980XE Review: Slight Iteration

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, reviewed by PC Perspective, acts as a refined 18-core/36-thread Skylake-X "refresh" utilizing a 14nm++ process. Key improvements include soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for better cooling and higher clock speeds, offering a roughly 7-10% performance boost over the previous generation. While excelling in multi-threaded tasks, the 165W TDP...Read more

hexus.net

21/11/2018

Review: Intel Core i9-9980XE

The HEXUS.net review characterizes the Intel Core i9-9980XE as a modest refresh of the 18-core i9-7980XE, offering a 10-15% multi-threaded performance boost through increased clock speeds. Key advantages include excellent IPC, strong gaming performance, and Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for better thermals, making it a solid upgrade for existing X299 users. However, the...Read more

techradar.com

13/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE review

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, as reviewed by TechRadar, is an 18-core, 36-thread High-End Desktop (HEDT) processor that reclaims the performance crown, featuring a 3.0GHz base/4.5GHz boost clock and a soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for improved heat management. It excels in professional multi-core workloads like 3D rendering, effectively utilizing the X299 platform's 44 PCIe...Read more

pcmag.com

20/12/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition Review Would you like to see a performance comparison between the 9980XE and its successor, the 10980XE?

The Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition is a 18-core HEDT processor designed for professionals, offering superior multi-threaded performance in 3D rendering and video editing along with improved thermal efficiency via soldered metal. Key advantages include excellent performance in 4K transcoding and strong overclocking potential, achieving a 12% boost to 4.5GHz across all cores in...Read more

hothardware.com

13/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE CPU Review: 18-Cores Of Refined Power

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, an 18-core/36-thread processor on the 14nm process, is described by HotHardware as a flagship "monolithic powerhouse" featuring improved thermals via Soldered Thermal Interface Material (STIM). It boasts high-frequency performance and is designed for the X299 platform, offering a notable upgrade over its predecessor, the i9-7980XE, with higher sustained...Read more

gamersnexus.net

13/11/2018

Intel i9-9980XE Review: Disappointing OC Headroom, But Strong Stock Performance

The GamersNexus review of the Intel i9-9980XE highlights the processor as a superior out-of-the-box performer compared to the 7980XE, utilizing soldered thermal interface material (STIM) to enhance stock frequencies and thermal efficiency. It excels in multi-threaded production tasks, such as Blender and Cinebench, owing to these improved stock clock speeds. GamersNexusConversely,...Read more

tomshardware.com

13/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE CPU Review: Still Too Expensive

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, an 18-core/36-thread HEDT processor, functions as a high-performance, soldered (STIM) refresh of the i9-7980XE, delivering higher turbo frequencies up to 4.5 GHz. It excels in AVX-heavy workloads and professional applications, providing robust stock performance, though it retains high power consumption on the 14nm++ node. While offering strong multi-core...Read more

hardwareinside.de

12/06/2020

Intel Core i9-10980XE Review - 7980XE vs 9980XE vs 10980XE

The Hardware-Inside review identifies the Intel Core i9-10980XE as a refined 14nm Skylake-X refresh, delivering higher Turbo Boost 3.0 speeds (up to 4.8 GHz) while introducing hardware-level security mitigations that may slightly reduce stock multi-core performance compared to the i9-9980XE. Key advantages include a aggressive pricing, support for 256GB DDR4-2933, 48 PCIe lanes, and...Read more

chip.de

25/02/2019

Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition is a high-end 18-core/36-thread processor designed for professionals, offering increased clock speeds (3.0–4.4 GHz) and better thermal management through soldered heat spreaders. It excels in heavy multi-threaded tasks like video rendering but faces stiff competition from AMD in specialized workloads and lower-cost Intel options in gaming....Read more

hardware-mag.de

22/10/2019

Review: Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition

The Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition acts as an 18-core/36-thread HEDT powerhouse, utilizing a refined 14nm process and soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation. Key improvements over its predecessor include higher base/turbo clocks and a 400 MHz base speed increase. While offering exceptional multi-threaded performance, its high cost and power...Read more

pcgameshardware.de

07/02/2019

Core i9-9980XE Review and Overclocking - PCGH

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core "Skylake-X" refresh, serving as a high-performance, soldered (STIM) flagship for the Basin Falls platform with 3.0 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost clocks. While delivering top-tier multi-threaded performance, pros include improved thermals and 44 PCIe lanes for workstation tasks. However, significant cons involve high power consumption, the...Read more

tomshardware.fr

28/11/2018

Core i9-9980XE Review: 18 Cores vs. AMD Threadripper

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core "Skylake-X" refresh featuring solder-based thermal interface material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation, enabling higher clock speeds up to 4.5 GHz. While it provides superior single-threaded and gaming performance over AMD competitors, it is an iterative update holding a high $2,000 price point. Key cons include high power consumption,...Read more

comptoir-hardware.com

07/12/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE Review", "Testing the Intel Core i9-9980XE

The Intel Core i9-9980XE review from Comptoir-Hardware characterizes the 18-core/36-thread HEDT chip as a modest refresh of the i9-7980XE, featuring slightly higher clock speeds and the introduction of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for better heat dissipation. While delivering top-tier multi-threaded performance in professional applications like Blender, the chip...Read more

vonguru.fr

22/02/2019

The KPC INFERNO and a Liquid Nitrogen Session (Focus on i9-9980XE OC)

The Vonguru review highlights the KPC Inferno as a specialized liquid nitrogen (LN2) pot designed for extreme CPU overclocking, specifically tested with an Intel Core i9-9900K and EVGA Z390 DARK motherboard to achieve frequencies over 6.8 GHz. Key advantages include exceptional thermal inertia for precise temperature control, high-quality nickel-plated copper construction, and a...Read more

vonguru.fr

11/02/2019

Review - Intel Core i9-9980XE and EVGA X299 DARK

The Vonguru review highlights the Intel Core i9-9980XE as a refined 18-core CPU, featuring soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for better heat management, though it struggles with limited overclocking potential. Paired with the EVGA X299 Dark motherboard—praised for its 4-DIMM design and strong VRM cooling—the platform excels in raw performance for creators, despite the high...Read more

gamersnexus.net

13 de noviembre de 2018

Intel i9-9980XE Review: Disappointing Overclocking Margin, but... Gamers Nexus +4

The Gamers Nexus review of the Intel Core i9-9980XE characterises the processor as a pre-overclocked version of the i9-7980XE, offering superior stock performance and soldered thermal interface material (STIM), but with severely limited overclocking headroom. While performing well in production tasks like Blender and Adobe Premiere due to high base frequencies, the chip’s voltage...Read more

noticias3d.com

13 de noviembre de 2018

Intel Core i9 9980XE - Noticias3D.com

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core/36-thread high-end desktop (HEDT) processor utilizing a soldered heat spreader (STIM) to improve thermal performance over its predecessor, achieving higher boost clocks up to 4.5 GHz. It delivers top-tier, raw multi-core performance for professional 3D rendering and video encoding, while maintaining high single-core speeds suitable for gaming....Read more

profesionalreview.com

27/10/2018

First benchmark results of the 18-core Intel Core i9-9980XE in 3DMark

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread HEDT processor offering 10-15% better performance than its predecessor, primarily due to higher clock speeds. It excels in multi-threaded professional workloads like rendering, showing strong results in 3DMark benchmarks. The chip features soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for better heat management, though it demands...Read more

profesionalreview.com

06/03/2019

Intel Core i9-9980XE Review (Full Analysis)

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, reviewed by Profesional Review, is an 18-core/36-thread Skylake-X Refresh flagship featuring Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation. Operating on the LGA 2066 socket with a 165W TDP, it offers base and boost clocks of 3.0 GHz and 4.5 GHz respectively, resulting in a 10-15% performance increase over the 7980XE in...Read more

tomshw.it

20/11/2018

Rendering, Encoding and Compression - Tom's Hardware

The Intel Core i9-9980XE serves as an 18-core/36-thread refresh of the 7980XE, featuring a 400 MHz higher base clock and a soldered heat spreader (STIM) to improve thermal performance. It delivers strong performance in rendering and media encoding tasks, though it faces heavy competition in highly threaded scenarios. While offering high clock speeds and overclocking potential, the...Read more

tomshw.it

20/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE Review: 18 Cores and 36 Threads Improved, but the Price is Very High

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread HEDT processor that serves as a powerful, yet iterative, update to the previous generation, featuring improved solder-based thermal interface material (STIM) for better thermal management and slightly higher frequencies. While offering improved multi-core performance for rendering and professional workloads, the CPU largely retains...Read more

tvtech.it

24/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE: Higher clock speeds, still 18 cores (Video Review)

This review highlights the Intel Core i9-9980XE as a high-end refresh of its predecessor, the i9-7980XE, featuring a massive 18 cores and 36 threads. While it maintains the same architecture and 14nm manufacturing process, it introduces significant clock speed increases—a 400MHz jump in base frequency to 3.0GHz and a peak Turbo Boost of 4.5GHz. A key technical improvement is the use...Read more

hwupgrade.it

27/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE: Higher clock speeds, but still 18 cores

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, reviewed by HWUpgrade, is an 18-core "Skylake-X Refresh" that improves on the 7980XE with a 14nm++ process, higher base clocks (3.0 GHz), and soldered thermal interface material (STIM). These upgrades enable better sustained performance under heavy multi-threaded loads, such as video encoding and 3D rendering in Blender. Key pros include superior...Read more

ct.nl

26/02/2019

Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition: A Counterweight to AMD's 2nd Gen Threadripper

The Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition is an 18-core, 36-thread refresh featuring soldered heat spreader (STIM) technology, providing superior single-threaded performance and higher stock clock speeds than its predecessor. While it thrives in content creation tasks and maintains the mature X299 platform, it is held back by a high $2,000 price point, limited overclocking headroom,...Read more

hardware.info

25/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE review: a refresh without innovation

The Intel Core i9-9980XE serves as a 18-core/36-thread Skylake-X refresh for the LGA 2066 platform, offering soldered thermal interface material (STIM) and higher clock speeds (3.0-4.5 GHz) over its predecessor, the i9-7980XE. While the chip delivers excellent multi-threaded performance, it offers only marginal, clock-speed-driven improvements of 3-5% in Adobe Lightroom and...Read more

tweakers.net

22/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9980XE Review - Speed at a Price

The Intel Core i9-9980XE review on Tweakers highlights a flagship 18-core/36-thread processor, introducing soldered thermal interface material (STIM) and a 400MHz base clock boost over the i9-7980XE. It delivers 10-15% better performance in workstation tasks like rendering, making it a strong option for professionals, despite being overkill for gaming compared to the i9-9900K. The...Read more

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