Intel · Core

Core i9-10980XE

Released November 2019

An unlocked 18-core Cascade Lake desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR4 memory for LGA2066 enthusiast systems.

Model history · 3 models, 2017–2019

2017Core i9-7980XE Compare
2018Core i9-9980XE Compare
2019Core i9-10980XE

Cores: 18/36
Boost: 4.8 GHz
L3: 24.75 MB
Power: 165 W
Socket: LGA2066

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers welcome the much lower price and stronger clocks, while finding the performance gains over the previous Intel generation modest. Its PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory can justify the platform for specific workloads. Bit-tech found strong overclocking headroom but much poorer efficiency than Ryzen 3950X; PC Perspective's comparisons omitted AMD's newest processors.

From bit-tech.net and pcper.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 18
Threads: 36
Base clock: 3 GHz
Boost clock: 4.8 GHz
L3 cache: 24.75 MB
Cores: Cascade Lake; 18 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by Intel’s exact-model family product brief.
Clocks: Turbo 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.
Cache: 24.75 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3).

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No processor graphics, explicitly stated in Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.

Platform

Socket: LGA2066
Base power: 165 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 256 GB; four channels of DDR4-2933; 94 GB/s maximum published bandwidth; no ECC.
PCIe: 48 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0. Intel’s 72-lane platform figure includes chipset lanes and is distinct from the processor’s 48 lanes.
Chipsets: Intel X299; LGA2066.
Process: 14 nm; Cascade Lake.
Cooler: Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required. Published junction limit: 86°C.

Pros and cons

Pros

18 cores and 36 threads
Four-channel memory controller
48 CPU PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires an LGA2066 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen Threadripper 2950X	16/32	4.4 GHz	32 MB	180 W	sTR4	Aug 2018
AMDRyzen 9 3950X	16/32	4.7 GHz	64 MB	105 W	AM4	Nov 2019
IntelCore i9-9980XE	18/36	4.5 GHz	24.75 MB	165 W	LGA2066	2018

Previous model: Core i9-9980XE.

Sources

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