Core i9-7980XE
Ryzen 5 9600X
Core i9-7980XE vs Ryzen 5 9600X Performance Spectrum
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.
Core i9-7980XE vs Ryzen 5 9600X 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i9-7980XE vs Ryzen 5 9600X: 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
2017Why buy it
- ✅57.1% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 9600X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (29,634 vs 30,003).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 32 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.8 vs 107.5 PassMark/$ ($1,999 MSRP vs $279 MSRP).
- ❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
Ryzen 5 9600X
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +19.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+29.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 25 MB).
- ✅Costs $1,720 less on MSRP ($279 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 625.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 107.5 vs 14.8 PassMark/$ ($279 MSRP vs $1,999 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 5 9600X better than Core i9-7980XE?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-7980XE vs Ryzen 5 9600X 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.
Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 30,003 points. Launch price was $279.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X — a 20.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 9600X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 9600X uses Granite Ridge (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Ryzen 5 9600X's 30,003 — a 1.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 9600X. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Ryzen 5 9600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+200% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.4 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+29% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 29,634 | 30,003+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 17,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 9600X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 5 9600X — the Ryzen 5 9600X supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 9600X supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 9600X). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 28 (Ryzen 5 9600X) — the Core i9-7980XE offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Ryzen 5 9600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5600+110% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+57% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7980XE) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 9600X). The Ryzen 5 9600X includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core i9-7980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation, Ryzen 5 9600X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 9600X rivals Intel Core i5-14600K.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Ryzen 5 9600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation | Gaming |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-7980XE was priced at $1999, while the Ryzen 5 9600X came in at $279. On launch pricing ($1999 vs $279), Ryzen 5 9600X was $1720 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7980XE delivers 14.8 pts/$ vs 107.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 9600X — making the Ryzen 5 9600X the 151.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Ryzen 5 9600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1999 | $279-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.8 | 107.5+626% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2024 |
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