Intel Core i9-10980XE vs Intel Core i9-9980XE

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Core i9-10980XE compared with Core i9-9980XE
IntelCore i9-10980XEIntelCore i9-9980XE
Overview
ReleasedNovember 20192018
Cores and clocks
Cores1818
Threads3636
Base clock3 GHz3 GHz
Boost clock4.8 GHz (better)4.5 GHz
L3 cache24.75 MB24.75 MB
CoresCascade Lake; 18 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by Intel’s exact-model family product brief.Skylake-X refresh; Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier, confirmed by Intel’s exact-model launch table.
ClocksTurbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.80 GHz on the preferred core; ordinary Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.60 GHz. The main boost field uses Intel’s highest published frequency. Intel targeted November 2019 availability. Scan’s dated 26 November guide confirms that this exact processor was available to purchase; the exact maker-confirmed first-sale day remains unverified, so month precision is retained.Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.50 GHz on the preferred cores; ordinary Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.40 GHz. Intel planned November 2018 availability. ASCII’s contemporary report confirms Japanese retail sale on 21 December 2018, but earlier worldwide sale was not established; year precision is retained.
Cache24.75 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3).24.75 MB Intel Smart Cache; L3 designation confirmed by the exact Newegg listing and ComputerBase’s technical table.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphicsNoNo
GraphicsNo processor graphics, explicitly stated in Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.No processor graphics, explicitly confirmed by Intel’s exact-model support table.
Platform
SocketLGA2066LGA2066
Base power165 W165 W
UnlockedYesYes
Cooler in the boxNoNo
Memory supportUp to 256 GB; four channels of DDR4-2933; 94 GB/s maximum published bandwidth; no ECC.Up to 128 GB; four channels of DDR 4-2666; 85 GB/s maximum published bandwidth; no ECC.
PCIe48 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0. Intel’s 72-lane platform figure includes chipset lanes and is distinct from the processor’s 48 lanes.44 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0. The 68-lane family platform figure includes chipset lanes.
ChipsetsIntel X299; LGA2066.Intel X 299; LGA 2066.
Process14 nm; Cascade Lake.14 nm; Skylake-X refresh.
CoolerIntel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required. Published junction limit: 86°C.Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product. Intel’s support article confirms solder thermal interface material for this exact model; published junction limit 84°C.

More comparisons