Core i9-10980XE vs Xeon w5-2445

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 i9-10980XE vs Xeon w5-2445 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 i9-10980XE vs Xeon w5-2445: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-10980XE

2019

Why buy it

✅+56.8% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅Draws 165W instead of 175W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,242 vs 1,822).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-2445, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $979 MSRP, while Xeon w5-2445 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2445 moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2445

2023

Why buy it

✅+46.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 48.
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,500 vs 24,309).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10980XE better than Xeon w5-2445?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-2445 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-10980XE is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-10980XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 56.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.

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

Core i9-10980XE is the better buy right now. Core i9-10980XE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $979 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 56.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. The compromise is that Xeon w5-2445 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (32.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 w5-2445 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-10980XE vs Xeon w5-2445 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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

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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 63.7% 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 — 700% 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+64%
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	2048 GB+700%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	48	64+33%

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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.