Core i9-7980XE vs Core Ultra 9 185H
Core i9-7980XE
Core Ultra 9 185H
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 i9-7980XE
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 185H
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | Core Ultra 9 185H |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Meteor Lake-H (2023) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | Core Ultra 9 185H |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ 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 i9-7980XE and Core Ultra 9 185H
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 Ultra 9 185H
The Core Ultra 9 185H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Meteor Lake-H (2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 22 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): + 24 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 29,360 points. Launch price was $640.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 185H offers 16 cores / 22 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 185H — a 14.7% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 185H (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 185H uses Meteor Lake-H (2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Core Ultra 9 185H's 29,360 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-7980XE. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 185H.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Core Ultra 9 185H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+13% | 16 / 22 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.1 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total)+3% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Meteor Lake-H (2023) |
| PassMark | 29,634 | 29,360 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,030 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 17,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 9 185H uses FCBGA2049 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE versus LPDDR5x-7467, DDR5-5600 on the Core Ultra 9 185H — the Core Ultra 9 185H supports 22.2% 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 96 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 185H). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 28 (Core Ultra 9 185H) — the Core i9-7980XE offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Core Ultra 9 185H |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | FCBGA2049 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | LPDDR5x-7467, DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+33% | 96 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+57% | 28 |
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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7980XE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core Ultra 9 185H). The Core Ultra 9 185H includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics (8 Xe-cores)), while the Core i9-7980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation, Core Ultra 9 185H targets Mainstream Performance / AI Workloads. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 185H rivals Ryzen 9 8945HS.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Core Ultra 9 185H |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel Arc Graphics (8 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Workstation | Mainstream Performance / AI Workloads |
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