Core i7-980X vs Core i7-4770S

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 i7-980X vs Core i7-4770S 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 i7-980X vs Core i7-4770S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-980X

2010

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $305 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Core i7-4770S

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $694 less on MSRP ($305 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 224.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.1 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($305 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,749 vs 6,817).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770S better than Core i7-980X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4770S is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-980X pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark. Core i7-980X also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-980X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-4770S is the better buy right now. Core i7-4770S comes in $694 cheaper on MSRP at $305 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-980X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 224.3% better value on MSRP (22.1 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4770S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-980X vs Core i7-4770S Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-4770S

The Core i7-4770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,749 points. Launch price was $329.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-980X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-4770S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-980X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770S — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770S (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-980X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4770S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980X scores 6,817 against the Core i7-4770S's 6,749 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-980X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980X vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4770S.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Core i7-4770S
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+7%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	6,817+1%	6,749

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4770S uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Core i7-4770S
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-980X was priced at $999, while the Core i7-4770S came in at $305. On launch pricing ($999 vs $305), Core i7-4770S was $694 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980X delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 22.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-4770S — making the Core i7-4770S the 105.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Core i7-4770S
MSRP	$999	$305-69%
Performance per Dollar	6.8	22.1+225%
Release Date	2010	2013

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