Core i9-9980XEvsRyzen Threadripper 7980X
The Core i9-9980XE is an older 18-core workstation CPU for professionals who need a proven platform, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a modern 64-core monster built for extreme multi-threaded tasks like rendering and simulation.
Core i9-9980XE
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018
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Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
Storm Peak · 5 nm · 2023
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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 7980X wins decisively for raw performance and modern features, leaving the older Core i9-9980XE far behind.
For budget-minded buyers, the Core i9-9980XE is the smarter pick if you can find it cheaply used.
Choose the Core i9-9980XE only if you already own a compatible LGA2066 motherboard and need a cheap, functional upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9980XE better than the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (82 vs 19 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9980XE in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X than the Core i9-9980XE?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is roughly 332% faster than the Core i9-9980XE overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-9980XE or the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X. If the Core i9-9980XE 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.