Core i7-980X vs Ryzen 3 2200G

Core i7-980X vs Ryzen 3 2200G Performance Spectrum

Core i7-980X

6 / 12

6,817

+1.2%

6,736

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core i7-980X vs Ryzen 3 2200G 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 Ryzen 3 2200G: 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

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 68.0 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Ryzen 3 2200G

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $900 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 897.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.0 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,736 vs 6,817).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-980X better than Ryzen 3 2200G?

Yes. Core i7-980X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-980X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-980X is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-980X comes in 909.1% more expensive on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $99 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 3 2200G only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 6,736 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Ryzen 3 2200G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-980X vs Ryzen 3 2200G 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.

Ryzen 3 2200G

The Ryzen 3 2200G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Raven Ridge (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 6,736 points. Launch price was $99.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-980X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 3 2200G offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-980X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X versus 3.7 GHz on the Ryzen 3 2200G — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 2200G (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-980X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 3 2200G uses Raven Ridge (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980X scores 6,817 against the Ryzen 3 2200G's 6,736 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-980X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980X vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 2200G.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Ryzen 3 2200G
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz	3.5 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+200%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Raven Ridge (2017−2019)
PassMark	6,817+1%	6,736

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 3 2200G uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Ryzen 3 2200G
Socket	LGA1366	AM4
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 Ryzen 3 2200G came in at $99. On launch pricing ($999 vs $99), Ryzen 3 2200G was $900 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980X delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 68.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 2200G — making the Ryzen 3 2200G the 163.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Ryzen 3 2200G
MSRP	$999	$99-90%
Performance per Dollar	6.8	68.0+900%
Release Date	2010	2018

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