Core i9-10980XE vs Xeon w5-2445
Core i9-10980XE
Xeon w5-2445
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 w5-2445
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 w5-2445
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 w5-2445
The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon w5-2445 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-10980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i9-10980XE uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10980XE scores 32,187 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon w5-2445. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 24,309 vs 15,500 (44.3% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,242 vs 1,822, a 37.9% lead for the Xeon w5-2445 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,275 vs 10,719 (41.2% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+80% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+4% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total) | 26.25 MB+6% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake-X (2019) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 32,187 | 32,213 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 24,309+57% | 15,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,242 | 1,822+47% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,275+52% | 10,719 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (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 w5-2445 — the Xeon w5-2445 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2445 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2445) — the Xeon w5-2445 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-10980XE) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 2048 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 64+33% |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i9-10980XE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w5-2445). Primary use case: Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.
| Feature | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Professional Workstation |
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