The Intel Core i9-9980XE is a behemoth of a processor, designed to dominate the high-end desktop market. As the flagship model of the 9th Gen Core X-series, this monstrous CPU boasts an unprecedented number of cores and threads, making it a dream come true for enthusiasts and content creators alike.

Architecture and Performance

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is built on the 14nm Skylake-X architecture, which has been refined to deliver improved performance and power efficiency. With 18 cores and 36 threads (thanks to Hyper-Threading), this processor can handle even the most demanding workloads with ease.

In synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench R15, the i9-9980XE shines with a score of 2,532 points in multi-threaded rendering, outperforming its closest competitor by a significant margin. In real-world applications like video editing and 3D modeling, this CPU’s raw power translates to faster render times and improved overall system responsiveness.

Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost

The i9-9980XE features an impressive base clock speed of 2.4 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.5 GHz via Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. This allows the processor to adapt to changing workloads, maximizing performance when it matters most.

With a thermal design power (TDP) of 165W, this CPU requires robust cooling solutions to maintain its high clock speeds. However, even with aggressive overclocking, the i9-9980XE remains remarkably cool and quiet, thanks to Intel’s advanced thermal management features.

Memory Support and PCI-E

The Intel Core i9-9980XE supports up to 256 GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 2,666 MHz, ensuring that even the most demanding applications can access vast amounts of data with ease. The processor also offers four x16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, making it an ideal choice for high-end graphics cards and storage solutions.

Power Consumption and Overclocking

As expected from a CPU of its caliber, the i9-9980XE requires significant power to operate at its peak performance levels. However, Intel’s advanced power management features help minimize energy consumption when not needed.

For enthusiasts looking to push their system to new heights, the i9-9980XE offers a wealth of overclocking options. With Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) software, users can fine-tune clock speeds, voltage, and other settings to squeeze out every last bit of performance from this behemoth processor.

Competition and Conclusion

In direct competition with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X, the i9-9980XE holds its own in most benchmarks. However, the AMD chip boasts a higher number of cores (32) and threads (64), making it a more attractive option for extreme multi-threaded workloads.

Ultimately, the Intel Core i9-9980XE is an exceptional processor that offers unparalleled performance in applications like video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations. While its high price point may be out of reach for some users, this CPU represents the pinnacle of desktop computing power, making it a must-have for serious enthusiasts and professionals.

Technical Specifications:

• Cores/Threads: 18 cores / 36 threads
• Base Clock Speed: 2.4 GHz
• Turbo Boost: up to 4.5 GHz
• TDP: 165W
• Cache Memory: 24.75 MB (L3 cache)
• Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD 770 (384-bit, 64 EU)
• PCI-E Lanes: 4 x16 PCIe 3.0 lanes
• Max Memory Support: up to 256 GB DDR4 at 2,666 MHz