Core i9-7980XE vs Core i9-13905H

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 i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H: 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

✅266.7% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13905H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (29,634 vs 29,807).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,999 MSRP, while Core i9-13905H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌266.7% higher power demand at 165W vs 45W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i9-13905H moves to FCBGA1792 and DDR5.

Core i9-13905H

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +20.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 165W, a 120W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1792 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe 96EU, while Core i9-7980XE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13905H better than Core i9-7980XE?

Yes. Core i9-13905H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 20.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13905H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13905H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i9-13905H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i9-13905H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-7980XE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Core i9-13905H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1792 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 18/36. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-7980XE vs Core i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H

The Core i9-13905H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1792. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 29,807 points. Launch price was $697.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core i9-13905H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13905H — a 20.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-13905H (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-13905H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Core i9-13905H's 29,807 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i9-13905H. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13905H.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-13905H
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+29%	14 / 20
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5.4 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.6 GHz
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	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
PassMark	29,634	29,807
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	19,384
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	14,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-13905H uses FCBGA1792 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13905H — the Core i9-13905H supports 95% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-7980XE supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 2 (Core i9-13905H). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 12 (Core i9-13905H) — the Core i9-7980XE offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-13905H
Socket	LGA2066	FCBGA1792
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-5200+95%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	44+267%	12

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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. Only the Core i9-7980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13905H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe 96EU), while the Core i9-7980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation, Core i9-13905H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13905H rivals Ryzen 9 7940HS.