Core i7-980 vs Core i7-980X

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-980 vs Core i7-980X FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-980 vs Core i7-980X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-980

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $416 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 73.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-980X

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,817 vs 6,890).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-980 better than Core i7-980X?

Yes. Core i7-980 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-980 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-980 is the better buy right now. Core i7-980 comes in $416 cheaper on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 73.2% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-980 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-980 vs Core i7-980X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-980

The Core i7-980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,890 points. Launch price was $1,109.

Core i7-980X

The Core i7-980X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,817 points. Launch price was $959.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-980 and Core i7-980X share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). Both are built on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-980 scores 6,890 against the Core i7-980X's 6,817 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-980. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-980X
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz	3.33 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,890+1%	6,817

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-980X
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-980 was priced at $583, while the Core i7-980X came in at $999. On launch pricing ($583 vs $999), Core i7-980 was $416 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-980X — making the Core i7-980 the 53.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-980X
MSRP	$583-42%	$999
Performance per Dollar	11.8+74%	6.8
Release Date	2011	2010

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