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.

Overview

The Core i9-10980HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,037 points. Launch price was $583.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-10980HK across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-10980HK specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-10980HK is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 17,037, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	Core i9-10980HK
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Comet Lake-H (2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	16 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	17,037

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10980HK fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i9-10980HK
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Comet Lake
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

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Power & Cooling

The Core i9-10980HK has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-10980HK
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #925 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-10980HK
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$583
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#925
Release DateLaunch date	2 April 2020 (5 years ago)
Release Year	2020
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Comet Lake
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$583
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	2 April 2020 (5 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Comet Lake-H (2020)
Performance Ranking Position	925

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	8
Threads	16
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)
Bus Speed	8 GT/s
Max Frequency	5.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.4 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	72 °C