Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Platinum 8160

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 i9-9980XE vs Xeon Platinum 8160 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.

Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Platinum 8160: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-9980XE

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 33 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Platinum 8160, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,979 MSRP, while Xeon Platinum 8160 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon Platinum 8160

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
✅Draws 150W instead of 165W, a 15W reduction.
✅9.1% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 44) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9980XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (28,989 vs 29,127).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9980XE better than Xeon Platinum 8160?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Platinum 8160 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9980XE is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9980XE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9980XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-9980XE is the better buy right now. Core i9-9980XE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,979 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-9980XE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 18 cores / 36 threads instead of 24/48. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Platinum 8160 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Xeon Platinum 8160

The Xeon Platinum 8160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,989 points. Launch price was $4,702.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8160 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8160 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8160 — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9980XE scores 29,127 against the Xeon Platinum 8160's 28,989 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE vs 33 MB on the Xeon Platinum 8160.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Platinum 8160
Cores / Threads	18 / 36	24 / 48+33%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+22%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+43%	2.1 GHz
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)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	29,127	28,989
Cinebench R23 Multi	22,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,459	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,177	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8160 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon Platinum 8160 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 6 (Xeon Platinum 8160). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 48 (Xeon Platinum 8160) — the Xeon Platinum 8160 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9980XE) and C621 (Xeon Platinum 8160).

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Platinum 8160
Socket	LGA2066	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44	48+9%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9980XE 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X; Xeon Platinum 8160 rivals EPYC 7451.