11score
#245 of 555
Overall rank

Core i7-9800X

8 cores · 16 threads · up to 4.5 GHz on FCLGA2066.

3.3 · 14 votes

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Cores
8
Threads
16
Boost
4.5 GHz
L3 cache
16.5 MB
TDP
165W
Socket
FCLGA2066

Performance breakdown

Gaming11
Productivity10
Single-core11
Multi-core33
Power efficiency9

Lab scores

Performance score11
Cores8
Threads16
Boost clock (GHz)4.5 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p24 fps
1440p19 fps
4K13 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores
Architecture
Skylake (server)
Process node
14 nm
Socket
FCLGA2066
Release year
2018
Total cores
8
Threads
16
Clocks & cache
Base clock
3.8 GHz
Boost clock
4.5 GHz
Multiplier
38 (unlocked)
L1 cache
512 KB
L2 cache
8 MB
L3 cache
16.5 MB
Memory & platform
Memory support
DDR4-2666
Max capacity
128 GB
Channels
4
Max bandwidth
85.33 GB/s
Base power (TDP)
165W
Max temperature
95°C
PCIe
PCIe 3.0
Launch price
$589
Technologies
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX-512
Extensions
AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TSX
Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners love the raw multi-threading power for heavy work, but the high heat output and price tag for an older socket leave them feeling it's a tough sell.

Pros
  • Heavy multi-threaded work flies
  • Stays cool with big air coolers
  • Plenty of PCIe lanes for add-ons
  • Still fast enough for everyday gaming
Cons
  • Hot and power hungry
  • No real overclocking headroom
  • Outdated platform with no upgrade path
Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i7-9800X

The i7-9800X is Intel's late-2018 HEDT chip that feels like a cut-down server part, its main caveat being pricey platform costs for what you get.

Get it if you need lots of PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups or heavy storage arrays on a workstation. Skip it if you don't use all those lanes, since newer mainstream chips run faster and cooler for less cash.

Buy it if…

  • You need heaps of PCIe lanes for multiple fast SSDs or GPUs.
  • You run heavily threaded workstation apps like video rendering or 3D modeling.
  • You're building a dual-GPU gaming rig on an older X299 platform.
3.3

14 votes

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