Core i9-7980XEvsRyzen Threadripper 9960X
The Core i9-7980XE is a high-core-count Intel workstation chip from the Skylake-X era, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is a modern AMD monster aimed at pros who need maximum multi-threaded grunt.
Core i9-7980XE
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2017
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Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X wins overall with far more cores, faster boost speeds, and significantly higher performance for demanding tasks.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i9-7980XE is the smarter pick if you find it heavily discounted, offering solid multi-threaded performance at a lower cost.
The Core i9-7980XE is the right choice when you need a capable workstation CPU but are limited to an older platform and a strict budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-7980XE better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (56 vs 18 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-7980XE in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X than the Core i9-7980XE?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is roughly 211% faster than the Core i9-7980XE overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-7980XE or the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. If the Core i9-7980XE is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.