CPU
GPU
Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
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 Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ More affordable ($540) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (ZEN+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+11%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ More affordable ($540) |
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 Threadripper 2950X
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 Threadripper 2950X
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 29,462 points. Launch price was $899.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9980XE scores 29,127 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X's 29,462 — a 1.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,000 vs 21,444 (2.6% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,459 vs 1,255, a 15% lead for the Core i9-9980XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,177 vs 8,814 (32% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+13% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total) | 32 MB+29% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 12 nm-14% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | ZEN+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 29,127 | 29,462+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 22,000+3% | 21,444 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,459+16% | 1,255 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,177+38% | 8,814 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9980XE) and Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X).
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 64+45% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-9980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9980XE) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X). Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9980XE launched at $1979 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X debuted at $899. At current prices ($593 vs $540), the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is $53 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9980XE delivers 49.1 pts/$ vs 54.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X the 10.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1979 | $899-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $593 | $540-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.1 | 54.6+11% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
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