CPU
GPU
Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Platinum 8160
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 Xeon Platinum 8160
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Platinum 8160 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower 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 (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Platinum 8160 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Xeon Platinum 8160
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.
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 | — |
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE versus 2666 on the Xeon Platinum 8160 — the Xeon Platinum 8160 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8160 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 142.9% 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+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+17476167% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 48+9% |
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.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Platinum 8160 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation | — |
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