Intel Core i9 9980XE 18-core LGA2011

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread HEDT processor that still crushes multi-threaded productivity workloads. Single-thread performance is average, and the 165W TDP is thirsty, but used prices make it a compelling workstation option. Gamers should look elsewhere, but content creators on a budget will love it.

In our benchmarks, the i9-9980XE puts up a PassMark multi-thread score of 31,508, which lands it in the 87th percentile for multi-thread performance. That's genuinely impressive, even by today's standards. It's one of the best on the market for raw core count and parallel workloads. The single-thread score of 2,555 is a different story. It's about average, which means everyday tasks and gaming won't feel dramatically faster than a mid-range modern chip.

The 24.75MB of L3 cache and 18MB of L2 cache help keep those 18 cores fed, and the quad-channel DDR4 memory support gives it plenty of bandwidth. For AI and LLM prototyping, it scores a 65.8 out of 100, which is decent but not groundbreaking. The 90th percentile AI ranking in our database is a bit misleading because most CPUs aren't built for that workload at all. In practice, this chip will handle light AI prototyping fine, but you'll still want a GPU for serious training.

Power efficiency is a weak spot. At 165W TDP, it's not exactly sipping electricity, and the 14nm process is showing its age. The efficiency score of 75th percentile is okay, but you'll feel it on your power bill if you run this thing hard all day.

Compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the i9-9980XE is a different animal entirely. The 9800X3D is a gaming-focused chip with 3D V-Cache that absolutely dominates in games, while the 9980XE wins on raw core count for productivity. If you're a gamer, get the Ryzen. If you're rendering or editing, the Intel chip's 18 cores will serve you better.

The D&H Core i9 BX80673I99940X is essentially a sibling, the 14-core variant of the same Skylake-X family. The 9980XE gives you four more cores and more cache, but the 9940X can often be found cheaper. If you don't need all 18 cores, the 9940X is a smarter buy. The HP Xeon P67080-B21 is a server part, so it's not really a direct competitor unless you're building a rack. And the G.Skill Trident Z Neo is memory, not a CPU, so that's not a fair fight. The CG CHIPS GATE EPYC is an AMD server chip that's in a completely different league for server workloads, though the 9980XE's server score of 57.4 out of 100 shows it's not really built for that world.

At $1,759 USD new, the i9-9980XE is a tough sell in 2025. You can get a modern Ryzen 9 or Core i9 that beats it in single-thread and comes close in multi-thread for less money. But here's the thing: these chips are everywhere on the refurbished market, and that's where the value story gets interesting. If you can snag one for a few hundred bucks and pair it with a used X299 board, you've got a workstation that punches way above its price class. The CAD listing at $1,123 is also worth watching. Just don't pay full retail for this thing in 2025.

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread monster from the Skylake-X era, sitting on the LGA 2066 socket. It's a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor aimed at people who need serious multi-threaded horsepower for things like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. With a 3.0GHz base clock and a 4.4GHz turbo, it's not the newest kid on the block, but it still packs a punch in our database. You'll find it listed around $1,759 USD or $1,123 CAD depending on where you look, and it's often sold refurbished these days.

So, is the Core i9-9980XE good for gaming? Honestly, it's fine, but that's not really its lane. The single-thread performance is solid but not spectacular, and most games won't touch 18 cores. Where this chip shines is in productivity workloads. If you're asking whether the i9-9980XE is good for video editing or 3D rendering, the answer is a pretty clear yes. It chews through multi-threaded tasks like they're nothing.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a 165W TDP part on an older platform. You'll need an X299 motherboard and a beefy cooler. It's not a drop-in upgrade for a mainstream system. But if you're building a used workstation on a budget, this chip is worth a serious look.

Skip the i9-9980XE if you're primarily a gamer. The single-thread performance just isn't there compared to modern chips, and you'll be paying for cores you'll never use. Also skip it if you're building a new system from scratch and don't want to hunt down a used X299 motherboard. The platform is dead, so there's no upgrade path. If you need a mix of gaming and productivity, a Ryzen 7 9800X3D or a modern Core i7 will serve you better. And if you're running a server, the 57.4 out of 100 server score tells you this isn't the right tool for that job.

Should you buy the Intel Core i9-9980XE? If you need a ton of cores for rendering, video editing, or other heavily threaded work and you're willing to buy used, absolutely. It's a workstation beast that can be had for a fraction of its original price. The 18 cores and 36 threads still hold up remarkably well for productivity.

But if you're a gamer, or if you do a lot of single-threaded work, look elsewhere. The single-thread performance is mediocre by modern standards, and the platform costs add up. You'll need an X299 board, a serious cooler, and a power supply that can handle 165W plus whatever GPU you're running. For most people, a modern mid-range chip will be a better all-around choice. For the right buyer, though, this thing is a steal.