The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread desktop processor launched in Q3 2017. It remains a notable high-core-count member of Intel’s Core X-Series, but Intel now lists it as discontinued. A build needs an LGA2066 motherboard with an X299 chipset, a separate graphics card, and a suitable cooler; any purchase today is of used or remaining stock.
What are the Core i9-7980XE’s specifications?
Intel’s product specifications describe the i9-7980XE as an enthusiast desktop CPU with 18 cores and 36 threads. Its base frequency is 2.60 GHz, with a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 4.20 GHz and a maximum Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency of 4.40 GHz. The processor has 24.75 MB of cache and a 165 W thermal design power (TDP). See Intel’s i9-7980XE specifications.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Intel Core i9-7920X Processor BX80673I97920X | $418.88 | Buy on Amazon |
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Intel Core i9-10980XE Desktop Processor 18 Cores 36 thread up to 4.8GHz Unlocked LGA2066 X299 Series... | $339.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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Intel® Core™ i9-14900K Desktop Processor | $375.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Memory: DDR4-2666, with four memory channels.
- Expansion: Up to 44 PCI Express 3.0 lanes.
- Socket: FCLGA2066, commonly called LGA2066.
- Graphics: No integrated graphics, so a discrete graphics card is needed for display output.
What motherboard, memory, graphics card and cooler does it need?
Intel’s support information identifies LGA2066 and the X299 chipset for this processor. Check the exact motherboard’s CPU support list and BIOS requirements before buying; sharing a socket name alone does not establish that a particular board is ready to run a given CPU. Intel’s Core X-Series support guidance covers the platform and graphics requirement.
Choose DDR4 memory and confirm the motherboard’s supported capacity and configuration. The CPU supports four memory channels, but the motherboard determines which kits and capacities work and how to populate them. The processor has no built-in graphics, making a discrete GPU a functional requirement rather than an optional performance upgrade.
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#1 Best Overall
- Socket LGA 2066
- Compatibale with Intel X299 Chipset
- 12 Cores/24 Threads
- Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 up to 4.40GHz
- Intel Optane memory ready and support for Intel Optane SSDs
Intel names the BXTS13X high-performance liquid cooling thermal solution for the i9-7980XE and specifies it as a separate-box item. Treat cooling as a separate purchase and verify the condition and compatibility of any cooler included with a used CPU. The 165 W TDP is a published thermal-design figure, not a guarantee of actual power use under every workload.
How does it compare with other Core X-Series CPUs?
The i9-7980XE’s distinguishing feature is its 18-core, 36-thread configuration. Intel’s Core X-Series catalog provides comparable core counts, clocks, cache, TDP, memory and PCIe details for neighboring models; use those fields to compare processors rather than assuming that every Core X chip has the same capabilities. The i9-7980XE’s combination is 18 cores, 36 threads, 2.60 GHz base, up to 4.20 GHz Turbo Boost, up to 4.40 GHz Turbo Boost Max 3.0, 24.75 MB cache, 165 W TDP, four-channel DDR4-2666 and up to 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes. Intel’s Core X-Series processor catalog lists family models and their specifications.
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For a practical comparison, check the exact model’s socket and chipset compatibility, memory support, PCIe lane count and cooling needs alongside core and thread counts. Do not infer current value or performance from launch-era positioning: current independent test results and live prices are not established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the i9-7980XE worth buying today?
Intel marks the processor discontinued, so a new purchase is limited to residual stock while many listings may be used. There is no current official retail price or live stock figure to use as a reliable value benchmark. Its age also makes the compatible LGA2066/X299 motherboard and a serviceable cooling solution central parts of the buying decision, not afterthoughts.
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Rank #3
- Game without compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Leading max clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz gives you smoother game play, higher frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
- Confirm the processor’s condition, seller return terms and whether the cooler is included.
- Verify the motherboard model, CPU support and BIOS status before committing to an LGA2066/X299 build.
- Budget for DDR4 memory and a discrete graphics card, and check the board’s memory capacity and slot guidance.
- Compare the total cost of a working platform, not just the CPU listing, against currently available alternatives for your workload.
At launch, Intel positioned the Core X-Series for gaming, VR, content creation, overclocking and heavily multithreaded work. In its August 7, 2017 announcement, Intel claimed up to 20% better VR content-creation performance, up to 30% faster 4K video editing and up to 30% faster extreme multitasking for gaming versus the previous generation. Those are Intel’s historical, workload-specific comparisons, not present-day independent benchmarks. The Intel announcement also described the family as a platform for content creators and gamers.
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