AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X vs Intel Core i5-14501E Comparison

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a workstation-class processor designed for heavy multi-threaded workloads. With 64 cores and 128 threads, it sits at the 99th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core i5-14501E, by contrast, is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop part at the 50th percentile. The Threadripper 9980X targets professionals running rendering, simulation, and data processing tasks. The i5-14501E targets mainstream desktop builds where single-thread responsiveness and modest multi-core throughput are sufficient. The data shows no benchmark overlap between the two units, as the i5-14501E has no recorded scores in the database. The Threadripper 9980X recorded an average benchmark score of 321753, while the i5-14501E has an average score of 0. The decision between these two is straightforward: the Threadripper 9980X for multi-threaded workstation workloads, the i5-14501E for general desktop use with lower power demands. The Threadripper 9980X carries a launch MSRP of $4999.

Architecture Differences

The Threadripper 9980X uses AMD's Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It packs 66,520 million transistors across eight chiplets, each 70.6 mm². The i5-14501E uses Intel's Raptor Lake architecture, codenamed Raptor Lake-R, on a 10 nm process at Intel, with a single 215 mm² die. The Threadripper 9980X belongs to the Ryzen Threadripper generation (Zen 5, Shimada Peak), while the i5-14501E is part of Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh).

Cache layouts differ substantially. The Threadripper 9980X provides 64 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 per core, plus a massive 256 MB L3 cache. The i5-14501E offers 80 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core, with 24 MB shared L3. The Threadripper's larger L3 cache supports its multi-threaded work. Memory support also diverges: the Threadripper 9980X uses DDR5 with a quad-channel bus and 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, while the i5-14501E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus. Both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity favors the Threadripper heavily: 80 Gen 5 lanes from the CPU versus 16 Gen 5 lanes on the i5. The Threadripper has no integrated graphics; the i5-14501E includes UHD Graphics 770.

The Threadripper 9980X has an unlocked multiplier, while the i5-14501E is locked. Both are desktop market segments and currently active in production. The Threadripper's release date is 2025-07-29; the i5-14501E released 2024-06-30.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results for these two processors. The i5-14501E has no recorded benchmark scores at all. The Threadripper 9980E, however, has extensive recorded data across Cinebench and Passmark tests.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Threadripper 9980X scores 13157. Its single-core score is 1857. In Cinebench R20, multi-core reaches 54822 and single-core 7739. Cinebench R23 shows 130529 multi-core and 18427 single-core. These multi-core figures reflect the 64-core configuration. Single-core scores around 18427 in R23 indicate strong per-thread performance from the Zen 5 architecture.

Passmark results for the Threadripper 9980X show a multithread score of 141641. Single-thread score is 4537. Data compression scores 2974534, data encryption 157137, extended instructions 228959, and find prime numbers 769. Floating point math reaches 559003, integer math 872071, physics 8001, and random string sorting 292083.

Because the i5-14501E has no recorded scores, no direct comparison of benchmark wins is possible. The Threadripper 9980X's percentile rank of 99 versus the i5's 50th percentile indicates the performance gap. The nearest rivals to the Threadripper 9980X provide context: AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX scores 320749 (0.3% behind), Intel Xeon 6781P scores 315524 (2% behind), AMD EPYC 9575F scores 311774 (3.2% behind), and AMD EPYC 9734 scores 310619 (3.6% behind). These deltas show the Threadripper 9980X sits at the top of its performance tier.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | Intel Core i5-14501E |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 64 | 6 |

| Threads | 128 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.20 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 65 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Raptor Lake |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 66,520 million | Not listed |

| Die Size | 8x 70.6 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 256 MB | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $4999 | Not listed |

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads. The Intel Core i5-14501E has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the performance percentile for each processor?

A: The Threadripper 9980X sits at the 99th percentile of all CPUs. The i5-14501E sits at the 50th percentile.

Q: Which processor supports more PCIe lanes?

A: The Threadripper 9980X provides 80 Gen 5 lanes from the CPU. The i5-14501E provides 16 Gen 5 lanes from the CPU.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Threadripper 9980X and the i5-14501E support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The i5-14501E includes UHD Graphics 770. The Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics (N/A).

Q: What are the memory channel configurations?

A: The Threadripper 9980X uses a quad-channel DDR5 bus with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. The i5-14501E uses a dual-channel bus supporting both DDR4 and DDR5, with no bandwidth figure recorded.

Where Each One Wins

The Threadripper 9980X wins in every multi-threaded workload category based on recorded data. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 130529 and Passmark multithread score of 141641 place it far above typical desktop parts. Data compression (2974534), integer math (872071), and floating point math (559003) scores indicate strong throughput for rendering, simulation, and scientific computing. The 256 MB L3 cache and 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth support large working sets. The 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes allow multiple high-bandwidth accelerators. The 350 W TDP reflects the power required for 64 cores.

The i5-14501E wins on practical desktop characteristics. Its 65 W TDP is dramatically lower than the Threadripper's 350 W. The 3.30 GHz base clock and 5.20 GHz boost clock provide competitive single-thread responsiveness. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. The dual-channel memory support with both DDR4 and DDR5 options provides flexibility. The 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes are sufficient for a single graphics card and NVMe storage. The Socket 1700 platform is a mainstream desktop standard.

For users choosing between these two, the deciding factor is workload scale. The Threadripper 9980X is appropriate for multi-threaded professional workloads where 64 cores and 128 threads translate directly to reduced processing time. The i5-14501E is appropriate for general desktop use, light productivity, and systems where power consumption and platform cost are primary considerations. The database shows no benchmark overlap, so the performance comparison relies on the Threadripper's recorded scores and the i5's lack of recorded data. The Threadripper 9980X's nearest rivals, all within 3.6% of its average score, confirm its position at the top of the workstation class.