Xeon w3-2525 vs Core i9-9980XE
Xeon w3-2525
Core i9-9980XE
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 Xeon w3-2525
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+37%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Xeon w3-2525 and Core i9-9980XE
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
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 Xeon w3-2525 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 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon w3-2525 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w3-2525 scores 28,641 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,000 vs 1,459, a 31.3% lead for the Xeon w3-2525 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 15,000 vs 12,177 (20.8% advantage for the Xeon w3-2525). L3 cache: 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525 vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 18 / 36+125% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+17% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 22.5 MB | 24.75 MB (total)+10% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 28,641 | 29,127+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 22,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,000+37% | 1,459 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000+23% | 12,177 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w3-2525 uses the LGA4677 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 DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2525 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE — the Xeon w3-2525 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9980XE supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 193.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon w3-2525) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w3-2525) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4400+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 TB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+45% | 44 |
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: Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation, Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX; Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w3-2525 launched at $609 MSRP, while the Core i9-9980XE debuted at $1979. At current prices ($800 vs $593), the Core i9-9980XE is $207 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w3-2525 delivers 35.8 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9980XE — making the Core i9-9980XE the 31.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $609-69% | $1979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $800 | $593-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.8 | 49.1+37% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2018 |
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