Intel Core i9-9960X vs Intel Core i9-9980XE Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has 18 cores and 36 threads, while the Intel Core i9-9960X has 16 cores and 32 threads.

Q: What are the base clock speeds of the two processors?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has a base clock of 3.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i9-9960X has a base clock of 3.10 GHz. Both share the same boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE scores 26780 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 6.6% higher than the Intel Core i9-9960X's score of 25120.

Q: Do both processors use the same memory configuration?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 memory with a quad-channel bus and have a memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has 24.75 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i9-9960X has 22 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What are the launch MSRP values for these CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has a launch MSRP of $1979, and the Intel Core i9-9960X has a launch MSRP of $1684.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process node and share the Skylake-X codename, with the architecture listed as Skylake. The die size is identical at 484 mm², and both are produced by Intel. The core counts differ, with the 9980XE offering 18 cores versus 16 cores on the 9960X, which translates to a thread count difference of 36 versus 32.

The L1 and L2 caches are the same per core: 64 KB and 1 MB respectively. However, the shared L3 cache differs, with the 9980XE having 24.75 MB compared to the 9960X's 22 MB. This cache advantage aligns with the extra cores on the 9980XE.

Both processors feature the same socket (Intel Socket 2066), support PCIe Gen 3 with 44 lanes (CPU only), and have no integrated graphics. ECC memory is not supported on either. The production status for both is end-of-life, and both were released on the same date. The multiplier is unlocked on both, and the part numbers are SREZ3 for the 9980XE and SREZ4 for the 9960X.

The base clock differences are modest: the 9960X runs at 3.10 GHz while the 9980XE runs at 3.00 GHz. The boost clocks are identical at 4.50 GHz. The TDP is the same at 165 watts for both. The generation naming is nearly identical, with the 9980XE listed as "Core i9 Extreme (X-Series 9th Gen)" and the 9960X as "Core i9 (X-Series 9th Gen)".

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a consistent advantage for the Intel Core i9-9980XE across every recorded test. The 9980XE wins all 8 head-to-head comparisons, with the 9960X winning none.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 9980XE scores 2699 against 2532 for the 9960X, a 6.6% lead. The single-core test shows a similar margin: 380 versus 357, also 6.6% ahead. Cinebench R20 multi-core results are 11247 versus 10550, again 6.6% higher. The single-core R20 test follows the pattern: 1587 versus 1489, a 6.6% advantage.

Cinebench R23 multi-core delivers 26780 for the 9980XE and 25120 for the 9960X, with the same 6.6% delta. Single-core R23 shows 3780 versus 3546, also 6.6% higher. Geekbench multi-core gives the 9980XE a 7.2% lead with 11270 versus 10512, while the single-core Geekbench gap is smaller at 2.9%: 1437 versus 1396.

The average benchmark scores reflect this overall pattern. The 9980XE has an average benchmark score of 7398, while the 9960X averages 6938. This places the 9980XE roughly 6.6% ahead on average. The percentile ranking against all CPUs is identical at 63 for both, indicating they occupy the same performance tier in the broader database.

The nearest rivals for the 9980XE include the AMD EPYC 7282 with an average score of 7409 (0.1% higher), the Intel Core i9-9990XE at 7415 (0.2% higher), the Intel Core i5-4570 at 7421 (0.3% higher), and the Intel Core i5-7400 at 7469 (1% higher). For the 9960X, the nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G at 6931 (0.1% higher), the Intel Pentium Gold G6400 at 6969 (0.4% higher), the Intel Core i5-3470 at 6906 (0.5% lower), and the Intel Xeon W-2195 at 6892 (0.7% lower). These rival relationships show both CPUs sitting in a tightly packed performance neighborhood, with the 9980XE positioned slightly above the 9960X in average score.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The core count is 18 for the 9980XE versus 16 for the 9960X, with corresponding thread counts of 36 and 32. The base clock is 3.00 GHz on the 9980XE and 3.10 GHz on the 9960X, while the boost clock is identical at 4.50 GHz.

The shared L3 cache is 24.75 MB on the 9980XE and 22 MB on the 9960X. The launch MSRP differs: $1979 for the 9980XE and $1684 for the 9960X. The part numbers are different, SREZ3 versus SREZ4. The generation label also varies slightly, with the 9980XE carrying the "Core i9 Extreme" designation while the 9960X is listed as "Core i9".

All other specification fields are identical: TDP of 165 watts, socket type, architecture, process node, die size, L1 and L2 cache sizes, memory support, memory bus, memory bandwidth, ECC support, PCIe configuration, integrated graphics absence, market segment, production status, release date, and unlocked multiplier.

The Verdict

The recorded data gives an unambiguous answer: the Intel Core i9-9980XE outperforms the Intel Core i9-9960X in every benchmark test. The multi-core advantage is consistent at 6.6% across all three Cinebench versions, while the Geekbench multi-core gap is slightly larger at 7.2%. The single-core differences are also consistent, ranging from 2.9% in Geekbench to 6.4% to 6.6% in Cinebench tests.

The 9980XE achieves these results with two additional cores and 4.75 MB more L3 cache, despite a slightly lower base clock of 3.00 GHz versus 3.10 GHz. The identical boost clock of 4.50 GHz means single-threaded peak performance is the same, but the extra cores provide the measurable multi-threaded advantage.

The average benchmark score of 7398 for the 9980XE versus 6938 for the 9960X reinforces the performance hierarchy. Both CPUs sit at the 63rd percentile in the database, and their nearest rivals are closely matched, with the 9980XE's rivals all scoring slightly higher and the 9960X's rivals mostly scoring slightly lower.

For anyone choosing between these two, the data supports the 9980XE as the stronger performer. The 9960X offers a lower launch MSRP and a higher base clock, but the 9980XE delivers superior results in every measured workload. The 6.6% multi-core margin is consistent and meaningful for threaded applications.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-9980XE wins in all recorded benchmark categories. Its 6.6% advantage in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests makes it the clear choice for heavily threaded workloads such as rendering, video encoding, and scientific computing. The 7.2% lead in Geekbench multi-core further confirms its strength in general multi-threaded applications.

The single-core results also favor the 9980XE, though the margins are smaller in some cases. The 6.4% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core and 6.6% leads in R20 and R23 single-core are notable given the identical boost clocks. The Geekbench single-core gap of 2.9% is the smallest difference recorded between the two, but it still favors the 9980XE.

The Intel Core i9-9960X has no benchmark wins in the recorded data. Its higher base clock of 3.10 GHz does not translate into any measured performance advantage. The only areas where the 9960X differs favorably are the lower launch MSRP and the slightly higher base clock, but neither of these appears in the benchmark results as a performance win.

The use-case split is therefore straightforward: the 9980XE is the pick for any workload where performance matters, particularly multi-threaded tasks. The 9960X may appeal to buyers prioritizing the lower launch MSRP, but the recorded data shows no performance scenario where it wins. For users who need maximum throughput, the 9980XE's extra cores and larger L3 cache provide the consistent edge.