CPU
GPU
Core i9-10980XE
Xeon E-2488
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 Xeon E-2488
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Xeon E-2488
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.
Xeon E-2488
The Xeon E-2488 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 31,888 points. Launch price was $606.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon E-2488 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE versus 5.6 GHz on the Xeon E-2488 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2488 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i9-10980XE uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E-2488 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10980XE scores 32,187 against the Xeon E-2488's 31,888 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-10980XE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 24,309 vs 15,000 (47.4% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,242 vs 2,100, a 51.3% lead for the Xeon E-2488 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,275 vs 12,000 (30.2% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2488.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+125% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.6 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total)+3% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake-X (2019) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 32,187 | 31,888 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 24,309+62% | 15,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,242 | 2,100+69% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,275+36% | 12,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E-2488 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10980XE versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon E-2488 — the Xeon E-2488 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10980XE supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 2 (Xeon E-2488). PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 20 (Xeon E-2488) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-10980XE) and W680 (Xeon E-2488).
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 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, EPT (Xeon E-2488). Primary use case: Xeon E-2488 targets Entry-level Server / Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E-2488 rivals Xeon E-2388G.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Entry-level Server / Workstation |
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