CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-7980XE vs Intel Core i9-9940X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread high-end desktop processor built on the Skylake-X architecture, featuring quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and a 165 W TDP for workstation-class workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong multi-threaded throughput suited to content creation and scientific calculations.
Strong multi‑threaded performance for rendering and encoding, though newer 12–16 core mainstream and HEDT chips often match or beat it while using less power.
Gaming
Playable at high frame rates in modern titles, but typically behind newer gaming-focused CPUs in single-threaded performance.
Still capable of high‑refresh‑rate gaming at 1440p and 4K, but modern mainstream and HEDT CPUs typically deliver better single‑thread and efficiency.
Virtualization
Plentiful cores and PCIe lanes make it excellent for running multiple VMs and storage/network add-ins.
Excellent for running several VMs or containers thanks to 14 cores, quad‑channel memory, and ample PCIe lanes for passthrough.
Efficiency
High power consumption relative to modern alternatives; efficiency lags newer platforms.
High 165 W TDP and 14 nm process make it significantly less efficient than 7 nm and 10 nm alternatives under mixed workloads.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPUs; relies on AVX-512 for vectorized inference
- Suitable for small-scale experimentation and older models on CPU
- No dedicated AI accelerators; relies on AVX‑512 CPU inference.
- Acceptable for light CPU‑based inference or prototyping, but not competitive with modern CPUs or GPUs with DL Boost / Tensor cores.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Capable of high-refresh gaming when paired with strong GPUs
- Single-core performance is lower than contemporary gaming-focused CPUs
- Platform lacks upgrade path to newer CPUs
- Strong single‑core clocks up to 4.4 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.5 GHz on favored cores.
- Capable of 144 fps+ esports performance at 1080p with a modern GPU; more GPU‑bound at 1440p and 4K.
- Modern 6–8 core CPUs often match or beat it in games while drawing far less power.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 18 cores and 36 threads for heavy parallel workloads
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multiple GPUs and NVMe drives
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory
- AVX-512 support for specialized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Strong multi-threaded performance in its era
Cons
- High power draw and thermal density
- No integrated graphics
- LGA2066/X299 platform effectively discontinued
- Lower per-core performance than newer generations
- DDR4-only memory support
Pros
- 14 cores and 28 threads for heavily threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi‑GPU and NVMe setups.
- Quad‑channel DDR4‑2666 with up to 128 GB support.
- AVX‑512 instruction support for specialized compute.
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking.
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and relatively low efficiency vs newer CPUs.
- Older 14 nm Skylake‑X platform with no upgrade path beyond Cascade Lake‑X.
- No integrated graphics; requires a discrete GPU.
- Only 44 PCIe lanes versus 64 on competing Threadripper platforms.
- Discontinued, with limited long‑term platform support.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i9-7980XE
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WXAlt
Higher core counts for workstation workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
Much higher efficiency and strong multi-core performance.
Newer X-series HEDT with refinements and more PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3955WXAlt
Pro-grade platform with more memory channels and I/O.
Strong single- and multi-core performance on a current mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i9-9940X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WXRival
HEDT / Many‑Core Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High‑End Mainstream / Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10940XRival
HEDT (Cascade Lake‑X)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7940XRival
Previous‑Gen HEDT
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Newer hybrid architecture with similar or better multi‑thread performance and far better efficiency for a new build.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Modern AM5 platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, much better efficiency, and strong creator performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A flagship HEDT chip with massive multi-threaded throughput and abundant I/O, but high power draw and aging platform make it a specialist choice today.
Best for: Secondary workstation or used-market build needing lots of PCIe lanes and cores on a budget
Read the full reviewA capable HEDT CPU with strong multi‑threaded performance and excellent I/O, but outclassed in efficiency and value by newer mainstream and HEDT alternatives.
Best for: Used or discounted X299 workstation builds where you need many cores and PCIe lanes on a budget.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core i9-7980XE and Intel Core i9-9940X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-7980XE: LGA2066, Intel Core i9-9940X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7980XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-7980XE (18 cores), Intel Core i9-9940X (14 cores).