Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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 7 7800X3D
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($384) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+82%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($384) | ⚠️ 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 7 7800X3D and Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,293 points. Launch price was $449.
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 7 7800X3D packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-9980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (base: 4.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D scores 34,293 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 16.3% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,500 vs 22,000 (17.3% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,700 vs 1,459, a 59.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 15,000 vs 12,177 (20.8% advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D). L3 cache: 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 18 / 36+125% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+11% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.4 GHz+47% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 96 MB (total)+288% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-64% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 34,293+18% | 29,127 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,500 | 22,000+19% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,700+85% | 1,459 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000+23% | 12,177 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) vs 4 (Core i9-9980XE). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Core i9-9980XE offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X670E,X670,B650E,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 44+57% |
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: AMD-V (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9980XE). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core i9-9980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 7800X3D targets Gaming, Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 7800X3D rivals Intel Core i7-14700K; Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D launched at $449 MSRP, while the Core i9-9980XE debuted at $1979. At current prices ($384 vs $593), the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is $209 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 7800X3D delivers 89.3 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9980XE — making the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the 58.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $449-77% | $1979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $384-35% | $593 |
| Performance per Dollar | 89.3+82% | 49.1 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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