Core i7-980 vs Xeon X5680

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 Xeon X5680 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 Xeon X5680: 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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,890 vs 6,910).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).

Xeon X5680

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $133 less on MSRP ($450 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 29.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.4 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5680 better than Core i7-980?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5680 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-980 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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, Xeon X5680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon X5680 is the better buy right now. Xeon X5680 comes in $133 cheaper on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.9% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-980 vs Xeon X5680 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.

Xeon X5680

The Xeon X5680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (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: 6,910 points. Launch price was $172.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-980 and Xeon X5680 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 Xeon X5680 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-980 uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5680 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980 scores 6,890 against the Xeon X5680's 6,910 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X5680. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-980	Xeon X5680
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)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,890	6,910

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-980	Xeon X5680
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-980) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5680). Primary use case: Xeon X5680 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5680 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-980	Xeon X5680
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-980 was priced at $583, while the Xeon X5680 came in at $450. On launch pricing ($583 vs $450), Xeon X5680 was $133 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon X5680 — making the Xeon X5680 the 26% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-980	Xeon X5680
MSRP	$583	$450-23%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	15.4+31%
Release Date	2011	2010

Search Core i7-980 on Amazon

Search Xeon X5680 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.