Intel Core i9-7980XE
Intel Core i9-7980XE: Exclusive Power for Professionals in 2025
April 2025
Introduction: A Legend Among HEDT Processors
The Intel Core i9-7980XE, released in 2017, remains an iconic processor for enthusiasts and professionals. Despite its age, its 18 cores and 36 threads continue to attract those in need of maximum multithreaded performance. However, in 2025, its relevance requires careful examination. Let’s explore all aspects, from technical specifications to practical usage.
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Skylake-X Architecture and 14nm Process
The processor is built on the Skylake-X microarchitecture using a 14nm manufacturing process. This is one of Intel's last generations before switching to 10nm. Key features include:
- 18 Cores / 36 Threads: A record number for desktop CPUs at the time of release.
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0: Automatic overclocking up to 4.2 GHz for two cores, 4.0 GHz for all cores with good cooling.
- 25MB L3 Cache: Optimized for processing large data sets.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 Lanes: Supports multithreaded tasks and multiple GPUs.
Performance in 2025
According to Geekbench 6 benchmarks (2025):
- Single-Core: 1410 — Lags behind modern CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 9 7950X scores around 2200).
- Multi-Core: 11418 — Comparable to Ryzen 9 7950X (16 cores, ~14500), but falls behind new Threadrippers.
Key Features:
- Quad-channel memory controller.
- Support for Intel Optane.
- Unlocked multiplier for manual overclocking.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Finding in 2025
LGA 2066 Socket and X299 Chipset
The i9-7980XE requires a motherboard with an LGA 2066 socket and an X299 chipset. By 2025, such boards are rarely produced, but they can be found in stock remnants or on the secondary market.
Examples of Models and Prices:
- ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme (new stock — $600): 10-phase VRM, Wi-Fi 6, 5x M.2 slots.
- MSI X299 Gaming Pro Carbon AC ($450): A balance of price and functionality, but somewhat weak for extreme overclocking.
Selection Tips:
- Look for motherboards with a powerful power delivery system (at least an 8-phase VRM).
- Check for PCIe 3.0 x16 support for multiple graphics cards.
3. Supported Memory: DDR4 and Its Potential
The processor works only with DDR4 (up to 2666 MHz without overclocking). The quad-channel mode increases bandwidth to 85 GB/s.
Recommendations:
- Optimal capacity: 64–128 GB (e.g., 4x32 GB Kingston Fury DDR4-3200).
- For overclocking, choose modules with heatsinks and low timings (CL14–16).
Limitation: No support for DDR5, which reduces performance in memory-sensitive tasks (e.g., rendering in Blender).
4. Power Supply: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 165W and a demand for stable power:
- Minimum: 750W (for a system with one RTX 4070-level graphics card).
- Recommended: 850–1000W (considering overclocking, multiple GPUs, and NVMe drives).
Examples of PSUs:
- Corsair RM850x (2025): $160, 80+ Gold, semi-passive mode.
- Seasonic PRIME TX-1000: $250, 80+ Titanium, 12-year warranty.
Important! Use cables with thick wires and avoid cheap noname power supplies.
5. Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It in 2025?
Pros:
- Multithreaded Power: Ideal for rendering, virtualization, scientific calculations.
- Scalability: Up to 128GB RAM and 4 GPUs.
- Overclocking Potential: With good cooling, can reach up to 4.5 GHz per core.
Cons:
- Outdated Process Technology: 14nm vs. 5nm competitors → high heat generation.
- No PCIe 4.0/5.0: Limits the speed of NVMe SSDs and new GPUs.
- Price: New stock sells for $800–$1200, which is close to the Ryzen 9 7950X ($900).
6. Use Cases: Where is It Relevant?
Work Tasks:
- 3D Rendering (Cinema 4D, Blender): 18 cores shorten rendering time by 30% compared to 12-core CPUs.
- 8K Video Editing: Smooth playback in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve without stuttering.
- Virtualization: Running 5–7 virtual machines simultaneously.
Gaming:
- Not the Best Choice: In Full HD, the difference with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D could be up to 40% (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 — 90 vs. 144 FPS).
- Streaming: Good for 4K broadcasting + CPU encoding.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (16 cores, $600 in 2025):
- Pros: PCIe 4.0, better power efficiency.
- Cons: Fewer cores, lower multi-core score in Geekbench (~10500).
Intel Core i9-14900K (24 cores, Hybrid architecture, $700):
- Pros: Higher IPC, DDR5, PCIe 5.0.
- Cons: Only 8 Performance cores, the rest are Efficient.
Conclusion: The i9-7980XE only wins in purely multithreaded scenarios.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Cooling:
- Liquid Cooling: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 ($130).
- Air Cooling: Noctua NH-D15 ($110) — only for stock frequencies.
- Case: Minimum Mid-Tower with 6+ fans (e.g., Lian Li Lancool III).
- Drives: Use PCIe 3.0 NVMe (Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB — $180).
9. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i9-7980XE?
Consider this processor if:
- You found it for under $700.
- You critically need 18 cores, but your budget doesn’t allow for a Threadripper 7000 series.
- You work with programs that are not optimized for DDR5/PCIe 5.0.
Alternative for 2025: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X ($900) — higher IPC, support for DDR5, but 16 cores.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i9-7980XE in 2025 is a niche solution for professionals who need "horsepower" at a moderate price. However, before purchasing, consider the availability of components and long-term upgrade prospects. In many cases, modern CPUs offer a better balance.