Core i7-980X vs Core i7-980
Core i7-980X
Core i7-980
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-980X is positioned at rank 1052 and the Core i7-980 is on rank 966, so the Core i7-980 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-980X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-980
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-980X | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-980X | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+203%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-980X and Core i7-980
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 i7-980
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-980X and Core i7-980 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980 — 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 i7-980X scores 6,817 against the Core i7-980's 6,890 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-980. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6,817 | 6,890+1% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-980X launched at $999 MSRP, while the Core i7-980 debuted at $583. At current prices ($150 vs $50), the Core i7-980 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980X delivers 45.4 pts/$ vs 137.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-980 — making the Core i7-980 the 100.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999 | $583-42% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $50-67% |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.4 | 137.8+204% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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