Core i7-980X vs Xeon E5-2448L

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 Xeon E5-2448L 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 Xeon E5-2448L: 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

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2448L, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $999 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2448L mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌85.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 70W.

Xeon E5-2448L

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.
✅Draws 70W instead of 130W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,774 vs 6,817).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-980X better than Xeon E5-2448L?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2448L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-980X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-980X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-980X is the better buy right now. Core i7-980X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $999 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2448L makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-980X vs Xeon E5-2448L 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.

Xeon E5-2448L

The Xeon E5-2448L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,774 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-980X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2448L offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2448L has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X versus 2.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2448L — a 52.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-980X (base: 3.33 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-980X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2448L uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980X scores 6,817 against the Xeon E5-2448L's 6,774 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-980X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980X vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2448L.

Feature	Core i7-980X	Xeon E5-2448L
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+71%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+85%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	6,817	6,774

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2448L uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.