7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.6 GHz / 2.6 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 18 Core / 36 Thread
- Cache:
- 24.75MB L3 + 18MB L2 + 1.125MB L1
- TDP:
- 165 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 14 Nanometers
- CPU Socket:
- FCLGA2066
- CPU Series:
- Skylake-X
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2666
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
Description
The 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE was Intel's original Skylake-X HEDT flagship, an 18-core, 36-thread processor running a 2.6 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.6 GHz within a 165 Watt TDP on the LGA2066 socket.
As the top-tier chip topping Intel's original 2017 X-series HEDT launch, this processor was the direct predecessor to the later 9th Gen i9-9980XE that shared its genuine 18-core, 36-thread configuration.
Platform
This HEDT chip requires an X299-series motherboard on the LGA2066 socket, typically paired with quad-channel memory for genuine workstation-scale bandwidth.
How Is the Core i9 7980XE in Terms of Performance
With 18 cores and 36 threads, this chip was Intel's original HEDT flagship, targeting the most demanding workstation and content-creation workloads at launch, establishing the 18-core reference point that the later 9th Gen 9980XE would build on.
Benchmarks
As Intel's original Skylake-X 18-core flagship, this chip's genuine multi-threaded throughput was class-leading at launch, though the later 9th Gen i9-9980XE refresh on the same core configuration offered meaningful clock speed improvements.
Specifications
| Form Factor | Server & Enthusiast |
|---|---|
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | Core i9 |
| Model Number | 7980XE |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.6 GHz / 2.6 GHz |
| Core/Thread Count | 18 Core / 36 Thread |
| Cache | 24.75MB L3 + 18MB L2 + 1.125MB L1 |
| TDP | 165 Watts |
| CPU Process Node | 14 Nanometers |
| CPU Socket | FCLGA2066 |
| CPU Series | Skylake-X, 7th Gen Intel Core |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2666, non-ECC (ECC not supported) |
Expert Review
Rated by the Consumercarts editorial team, not by users
Best for
- Buyers specifically wanting Intel's original Skylake-X 18-core HEDT flagship
Not for
- Buyers with access to the later 9th Gen i9-9980XE — that chip offers a real clock speed improvement on the same core configuration