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, 7th Gen Intel Core
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2666, non-ECC (ECC not supported)
- Form Factor:
- Server & Enthusiast
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
Where to buy
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7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE Review
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.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, 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
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 7980XE |
| Product Family | Core i9 |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Segment | HEDT |
Cores and threads
| Core Count | 18 cores |
|---|---|
| Thread Count | 36 threads |
| SMT Support | Yes |
Clocks
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz |
|---|---|
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 18 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB |
| 3D V-Cache | No |
Platform
| Socket | FCLGA2066 |
|---|---|
| Multi-Socket Support | Single Socket Only |
Memory
| Memory Channels | 4 channels |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 2666 MT/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 0.125 TB |
| ECC Support | No |
PCIe and IO
| PCIe Lanes | 44 lanes |
|---|---|
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| CXL Support | None |
Power and thermals
| TDP | 165 W |
|---|
Accelerators and security
| Integrated Graphics | No |
|---|---|
| AVX-512 Support | Yes |
| AMX Support | No |
Manufacturing
| Process Node | 14 nm |
|---|
| CPU Socket | FCLGA2066 |
|---|
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE?
The 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE has a 2.6 GHz base and 4.4 GHz boost clock, 24.75 MB of L3 cache and a 165 W TDP. It has no integrated graphics, so it needs a graphics card. Socket: FCLGA2066.
Will the 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE work with my current setup?
The 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE lists CPU Socket is FCLGA2066. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE best suited to?
Best suited to: Buyers specifically wanting Intel's original Skylake-X 18-core HEDT flagship.
What are the drawbacks of the 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE?
Not the best fit for: Buyers with access to the later 9th Gen i9-9980XE, that chip offers a real clock speed improvement on the same core configuration.
Compare and read more
- 7th Gen Intel Core i9-7900X vs 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE
- 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE vs 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9800X
- 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE vs 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9820X
- 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE vs 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9920X
- 7th Gen Intel Core i9 7980XE vs 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9940X
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