Core i9-7980XE vs Core i9-9960X

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 i9-9960X 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 i9-9960X: 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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (29,634 vs 29,927).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.8 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($1,999 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).

Core i9-9960X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $315 less on MSRP ($1,684 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 19.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 14.8 PassMark/$ ($1,684 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9960X better than Core i9-7980XE?

Yes. Core i9-9960X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% 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 i9-9960X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% 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 i9-9960X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.

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

Core i9-9960X is the better buy right now. Core i9-9960X comes in $315 cheaper on MSRP at $1,684 MSRP versus $1,999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 19.9% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 14.8 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9960X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 18/36. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-7980XE vs Core i9-9960X 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 i9-9960X

The Core i9-9960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22 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: 29,927 points. Launch price was $1,684.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core i9-9960X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9960X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Core i9-9960X's 29,927 — a 1% lead for the Core i9-9960X. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-9960X
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+13%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	24.75 MB (total)+13%	22 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	29,634	29,927
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,650
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	10,700

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2066 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 44 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-9960X
Socket	LGA2066	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	44	44

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation, Core i9-9960X targets HEDT.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-9960X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	HEDT

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-7980XE was priced at $1999, while the Core i9-9960X came in at $1684. On launch pricing ($1999 vs $1684), Core i9-9960X was $315 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7980XE delivers 14.8 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-9960X — making the Core i9-9960X the 18.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-7980XE	Core i9-9960X
MSRP	$1999	$1684-16%
Performance per Dollar	14.8	17.8+20%
Release Date	2017	2018

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