Ryzen 5 5600X vs Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i9-9980XE
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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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+229%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X and Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-9980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 28.6% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 18 / 36+200% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+2% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+23% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+29% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 21,845 | 29,127+33% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 22,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,459 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,177 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-9980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 4 (Core i9-9980XE). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Core i9-9980XE offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 44+83% |
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: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9980XE). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core i9-9980XE debuted at $1979. At current prices ($135 vs $593), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $458 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9980XE — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 106.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299-85% | $1979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-77% | $593 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+230% | 49.1 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2018 |
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