9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK
- iGPU:
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 5.0 GHz / 2.4 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 8 Core / 16 Thread
- Cache:
- 16MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1
- TDP:
- 45 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 14 Nanometers
- CPU Socket:
- FCBGA1440
- CPU Series:
- Coffee Lake, 9th Gen Intel Core
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK Review
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK is Intel's first unlocked mobile 8-core processor, reaching a genuinely high 5.0 GHz boost clock within a 45 Watt TDP, launched as Intel's mobile flagship of its generation.
This chip broke new ground as the first mobile Intel Core i9, bringing genuine overclocking flexibility to laptop-class silicon for enthusiasts wanting maximum tunable performance in premium gaming and workstation laptops.
Intel UHD Graphics 630
A basic integrated GPU intended for display output; laptops built around this flagship mobile chip almost universally pair it with a high-end discrete GPU.
How Is the Core i9 9980HK in Terms of Performance
The unlocked multiplier and genuinely high 5.0 GHz boost ceiling made this chip Intel's premier mobile overclocking option at launch, delivering flagship-tier gaming and workstation performance within a 45W mobile power envelope.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R20 multi-core scores of 3,422 and single-core scores of 485 reflect genuinely strong flagship-tier mobile performance, directly reflecting the 5.0 GHz boost ceiling this unlocked mobile chip could reach.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Premium gaming and workstation laptops wanting Intel's first unlocked mobile 8-core chip
Not for
- Buyers not planning to overclock, the standard i9-9880H delivers similar practical performance without the overclocking premium
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i9 |
| Model Number | 9980HK |
| Codename | Coffee Lake |
| Release Year | 2019 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Coffee Lake, 9th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | FCBGA1440 |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 8 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 16 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.4 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 5.0 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 2 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 16 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 45 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133 |
|---|
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| TDP | 45 W |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK?
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK has 8 cores and 16 threads, a 2.4 GHz base and 5.0 GHz boost clock, 16 MB of L3 cache and a 45 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630. Socket: FCBGA1440.
Will the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK work with my current setup?
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK lists CPU Socket is FCBGA1440. 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 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK best suited to?
Best suited to: Premium gaming and workstation laptops wanting Intel's first unlocked mobile 8-core chip.
What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9980HK?
Not the best fit for: Buyers not planning to overclock, the standard i9-9880H delivers similar practical performance without the overclocking premium.