Core i9-9980XE vs Ryzen 9 270
Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen 9 270
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 i9-9980XE
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ 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 i9-9980XE and Ryzen 9 270
Core i9-9980XE
The Core i9-9980XE 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 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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. Passmark benchmark score: 29,127 points. Launch price was $1,979.
Ryzen 9 270
The Ryzen 9 270 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 29,602 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Ryzen 9 270 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE versus 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 9 270 — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 270 (base: 3 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i9-9980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 9 270 uses Hawk Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9980XE scores 29,127 against the Ryzen 9 270's 29,602 — a 1.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 270. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,000 vs 16,500 (28.6% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,459 vs 2,636, a 57.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 270 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,177 vs 13,000 (6.5% advantage for the Ryzen 9 270). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 270.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+125% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 4 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total)+55% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Hawk Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 29,127 | 29,602+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 22,000+33% | 16,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,459 | 2,636+81% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,177 | 13,000+7% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 270 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 9 270 — the Ryzen 9 270 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 270 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 270). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 20 (Ryzen 9 270) — the Core i9-9980XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9980XE) and FP8 platform (Ryzen 9 270).
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
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 i9-9980XE) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen 9 270). The Ryzen 9 270 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Core i9-9980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation, Ryzen 9 270 targets Professional Content Creation Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X; Ryzen 9 270 rivals Core i9-13900H.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation | Professional Content Creation Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9980XE launched at $1979 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 270 debuted at $0. At current prices ($593 vs $0), the Ryzen 9 270 is $593 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen 9 270 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1979 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $593 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.1 | — |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2025 |
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