Intel
Intel Core i9-9980XE vs Intel Core i9-9920X
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Intel
Core i9-9920X
Aggregate performance score
We've compared Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗Core i9-9980XE outperforms Core i9-9920X by 27% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+27%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Intel Core i9-9980XE vs Intel Core i9-9920X: key takeaway
The comparison of Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X shows a 31% advantage for Core i9-9980XE in gaming performance, while Core i9-9920X may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
IntelPerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
2116
7575
8255
00
1612
COMPARISON RESULT
Core i9-9980XE is the best overall choice
Core i9-9980XE leads in overall performance, while Core i9-9980XE offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
Core i9-9980XE leads in the combined performance index
Core i9-9920X costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
21Better
16
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
22Better
18
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
19Better
16
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
16Better
12
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
20Better
15
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Release date20182018
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark32137Better25208
PBP / MTP165 W165 W
Cores / Threads18 / 36Better12 / 24
Clock speed3 - 4,5 GHz3,5 - 4,5 GHzBetter
Base clock3000 MHz3500 MHzBetter
Boost clock4500 MHz4500 MHz
L1 cache64 KB per core64 KB per core
L2 cache1 MB per core1 MB per core
L3 cache24.75 MBBetter19.25 MB
SocketLGA2066LGA2066
ArchitectureSkylake-XSkylake-X
Integrated graphicsNoNo
Power consumption165 W165 W
Process node14 nm14 nm
Memory supportDDR4-2666DDR4-2666
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 10075750%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100825539%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100685325%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100664440%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares Core i9-9980XE and Core i9-9920X with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100151131%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100161321%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10012929%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100171327%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100161229%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: Core i9-9980XE or Core i9-9920X?+
Core i9-9980XE has the higher overall gaming score, while Core i9-9980XE offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
Core i9-9980XE is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
Core i9-9980XE is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
Core i9-9980XE offers more overall performance, while Core i9-9980XE offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
Core i9-9980XE is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
Core i9-9980XE is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
Core i9-9980XE leads in combined 1440p performance. Core i9-9980XE can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
Core i9-9980XE is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
Core i9-9980XE is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
Core i9-9980XE is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to Core i9-9980XE if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.