CPU
GPU
Core i9-7980XE
EPYC 7371
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 EPYC 7371
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | EPYC 7371 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | EPYC 7371 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 EPYC 7371
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.
EPYC 7371
The EPYC 7371 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 16 November 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,156 points. Launch price was $1,550.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the EPYC 7371 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 3.8 GHz on the EPYC 7371 — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-7980XE (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7371 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the EPYC 7371's 30,156 — a 1.7% lead for the EPYC 7371. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7371.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | EPYC 7371 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+13% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+16% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.1 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+159% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 29,634 | 30,156+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 15,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,216 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,941 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 7371 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The EPYC 7371 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 8 (EPYC 7371). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 128 (EPYC 7371) — the EPYC 7371 offers 84 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | EPYC 7371 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 2048 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 128+191% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. 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 AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7371). Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation, EPYC 7371 targets High-frequency Server Workloads. Direct competitor: EPYC 7371 rivals Xeon Gold 6134.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | EPYC 7371 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | Workstation | High-frequency Server Workloads |
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