Core i9-7980XE vs Xeon W-3265
Core i9-7980XE
Xeon W-3265
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 Xeon W-3265
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1016%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,400) |
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 Xeon W-3265
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.
Xeon W-3265
The Xeon W-3265 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 30,105 points. Launch price was $3,349.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon W-3265 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon W-3265 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3265 — a 4.4% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3265 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i9-7980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-3265 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7980XE scores 29,634 against the Xeon W-3265's 30,105 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon W-3265. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE vs 33 MB on the Xeon W-3265.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36 | 24 / 48+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.6 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.7 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total) | 33 MB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 24 MB+2300% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 29,634 | 30,105+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-3265 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE versus 2933 on the Xeon W-3265 — the Xeon W-3265 supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3265 supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 6 (Xeon W-3265). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7980XE) vs 64 (Xeon W-3265) — the Xeon W-3265 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | 2933+73225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+13107100% | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 64+45% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-7980XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7980XE) vs true (Xeon W-3265). Primary use case: Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-7980XE launched at $1999 MSRP, while the Xeon W-3265 debuted at $3684. At current prices ($300 vs $3400), the Core i9-7980XE is $3100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7980XE delivers 98.8 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3265 — making the Core i9-7980XE the 167.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-7980XE | Xeon W-3265 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1999-46% | $3684 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300-91% | $3400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.8+1010% | 8.9 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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