Consumercarts
Intel Core I9 9980XE (9th Gen) processor
Intel

9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE

View on NeweggView on intel.com
Boost/Base Clock:
4.4 GHz / 3.0 GHz
Core/Thread Count:
18 Core / 36 Thread
Cache:
24.8MB L3 + 18MB L2 + 1.1MB L1
TDP:
165 Watts
CPU Socket:
FCLGA2066
CPU Series:
Cascade Lake-X, 9th Gen Intel Core
Memory Support:
DDR4-2666, non-ECC (ECC not supported)
Form Factor:
Server & Enthusiast

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

Report an error

Where to buy

9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE Review

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread HEDT flagship built on Cascade Lake-X, running a 3.0 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.4 GHz within a 165 Watt TDP on the LGA2066 socket.

This chip is the direct predecessor to the 10th Gen i9-10980XE, sharing an identical 18-core, 36-thread configuration but on Intel's earlier Cascade Lake-X refresh of the platform.

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 i9-9980XE in Terms of Performance

With 18 cores and 36 threads, this chip targets the same demanding workstation and content-creation workloads as its 10th Gen successor, delivering genuinely strong multi-threaded throughput for its generation.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R23 multi-core scores of 22,939 trail the 10th Gen i9-10980XE's 24,109 by a modest margin, reflecting the incremental refresh between the two generations. Geekbench 5 multi-core scores of 16,336 confirm genuinely strong workstation-tier throughput for this chip's era.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Workstation and content-creation workloads on Intel's HEDT platform wanting genuine 18-core throughput

Not for

  • Buyers with the option of the newer 10th Gen i9-10980XE, that chip offers a modest but real performance edge on the same platform

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

BrandIntel
Model Number9980XE
Product FamilyCore i9
Release Year2018
SegmentHEDT

Cores and threads

Core Count18 cores
Thread Count36 threads
SMT SupportYes

Clocks

Base Clock3.0 GHz
Boost Clock4.4 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache18 MB
L3 Cache24.75 MB
3D V-CacheNo

Platform

SocketFCLGA2066
Multi-Socket SupportSingle Socket Only

Memory

Memory Channels4 channels
Max Memory Speed2666 MT/s
Max Memory Capacity0.125 TB
ECC SupportNo

PCIe and IO

PCIe Lanes44 lanes
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
CXL SupportNone

Power and thermals

TDP165 W

Accelerators and security

Integrated GraphicsNo
AVX-512 SupportYes
AMX SupportNo

Manufacturing

Process Node14 nm
CPU SocketFCLGA2066

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE has a 3.0 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 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE work with my current setup?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE 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 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE best suited to?

Best suited to: Workstation and content-creation workloads on Intel's HEDT platform wanting genuine 18-core throughput.

What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980XE?

Not the best fit for: Buyers with the option of the newer 10th Gen i9-10980XE, that chip offers a modest but real performance edge on the same platform.

Compare and read more