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 i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 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: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.

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 Core i9-10980XE

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

111%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

109%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

109%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

108%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

107%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

107%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

106%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

105%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

105%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

105%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

104%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

102%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

101%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

100%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

100%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

100%

#339

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

100%

#340

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

99%

#341

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

99%

#342

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

98%

#343

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

96%

#344

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

95%

#345

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

95%

#346

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

94%

#347

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

91%

#348

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

91%

#349

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

91%

#350

Core i3-8300

MSRP: $138|Avg: $136

90%

#351

Core i5-8500B

MSRP: $192|Avg: $192

89%

#352

Core i7-13700TE

MSRP: $390|Avg: $476

89%

#353

Core i9-11900T

MSRP: $439|Avg: $413

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10980XE is a 18-core / 36-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24.75 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 32,187, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,242, while multi-core reaches 16,275. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 24,309.

Specification	Core i9-10980XE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	24.75 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s DMI3 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	86 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	32,187
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	24,309
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,242
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	16,275

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10980XE fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 256 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i9-10980XE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	48
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	256 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X299
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i9-10980XE
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-10980XE has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.

Specification	Core i9-10980XE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	86 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $620 (MSRP: $979), the Core i9-10980XE delivers 52 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #387 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-10980XE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$979
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$620
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$979
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#387
Release DateLaunch date	19 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel