Core i9-10980XE vs Core Ultra 5 245T
Core i9-10980XE
Core Ultra 5 245T
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 245T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+131%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
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 i9-10980XE and Core Ultra 5 245T
Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Core Ultra 5 245T
The Core Ultra 5 245T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 32,444 points. Launch price was $270.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245T offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245T — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245T (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-10980XE uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10980XE scores 32,187 against the Core Ultra 5 245T's 32,444 — a 0.8% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245T. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245T.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+29% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.1 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+36% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total)+3% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+200% |
| Process | 14 nm | 3 nm-79% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake-X (2019) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 32,187 | 32,444 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 24,309 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,242 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,275 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10980XE versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245T — the Core Ultra 5 245T supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 256 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 245T). PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 20 (Core Ultra 5 245T) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+140% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i9-10980XE) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245T). The Core Ultra 5 245T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG 64EU), while the Core i9-10980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 245T targets Desktop Low Power.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc Xe-LPG 64EU |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop Low Power |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10980XE launched at $979 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 245T debuted at $270. At current prices ($620 vs $270), the Core Ultra 5 245T is $350 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10980XE delivers 51.9 pts/$ vs 120.2 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245T — making the Core Ultra 5 245T the 79.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Core Ultra 5 245T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $979 | $270-72% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $620 | $270-56% |
| Performance per Dollar | 51.9 | 120.2+132% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2025 |
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