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 i9-7980XE vs Core i9-12900T 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 i9-7980XE vs Core i9-12900T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-7980XE

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.8 vs 60.5 PassMark/$ ($1,999 MSRP vs $489 MSRP).
❌371.4% higher power demand at 165W vs 35W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900T moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i9-12900T

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+21.2% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Costs $1,510 less on MSRP ($489 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 308.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 60.5 vs 14.8 PassMark/$ ($489 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 165W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (29,601 vs 29,634).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900T better than Core i9-7980XE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i9-12900T is ahead with a 22.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7980XE pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i9-12900T also has the bigger cache pool with 21.2% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7980XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.

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

Core i9-12900T is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900T comes in $1,510 cheaper on MSRP at $489 MSRP versus $1,999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-7980XE is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 308.3% better value on MSRP (60.5 vs 14.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i9-12900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2017), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and 21.2% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-7980XE vs Core i9-12900T Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-7980XE

The Core i9-7980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,634 points. Launch price was $1,999.

Core i9-12900T

The Core i9-12900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 29,601 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core i9-12900T offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i9-12900T — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-12900T uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Core i9-12900T's 29,601 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-7980XE. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900T.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-12900T
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+13%	16 / 24
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+86%	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	24.75 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+21%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	29,634	29,601
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	22,809
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,331
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	12,116

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-12900T uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900T — the Core i9-12900T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 2 (Core i9-12900T). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 20 (Core i9-12900T) — the Core i9-7980XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-12900T
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+120%	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-7980XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-7980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-12900T
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-7980XE was priced at $1999, while the Core i9-12900T came in at $489. On launch pricing ($1999 vs $489), Core i9-12900T was $1510 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7980XE delivers 14.8 pts/$ vs 60.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900T — making the Core i9-12900T the 121.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-12900T
MSRP	$1999	$489-76%
Performance per Dollar	14.8	60.5+309%
Release Date	2017	2022

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