Core i9-9960X vs Core i9-7980XE
Core i9-9960X
Core i9-7980XE
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 i9-9960X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-7980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+51%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
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 i9-9960X and Core i9-7980XE
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9960X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-7980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9960X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9960X scores 29,927 against the Core i9-7980XE's 29,634 — a 1% lead for the Core i9-9960X. L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 18 / 36+13% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+19% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB (total) | 24.75 MB (total)+13% |
| 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 | 29,927 | 29,634 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,650 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,700 | — |
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 i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 44 |
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 i9-9960X targets HEDT, Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | HEDT | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9960X launched at $1684 MSRP, while the Core i9-7980XE debuted at $1999. At current prices ($200 vs $300), the Core i9-9960X is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9960X delivers 149.6 pts/$ vs 98.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-7980XE — making the Core i9-9960X the 40.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1684-16% | $1999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-33% | $300 |
| Performance per Dollar | 149.6+51% | 98.8 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2017 |
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