Core i9-9980XEvsRyzen Threadripper 9970X
The Intel Core i9-9980XE is a high-end desktop chip for enthusiasts who wanted server-grade muscle in a workstation, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is a modern heavyweight for creators and pros who need massive multi-core throughput.
Core i9-9980XE
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018
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Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
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 9970X wins overall for its much higher multi-core performance and newer architecture, easily outperforming the older Core i9-9980XE.
The Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is the smarter pick for budget/value buyers, offering far more processing power and memory for the price.
The Core i9-9980XE is the right choice if you need a lower-power CPU for a legacy workstation that cannot upgrade to a new socket.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9980XE better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (64 vs 19 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9980XE in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X than the Core i9-9980XE?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is roughly 237% 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 9970X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X. 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.