Intel Core i9-7980XE vs AMD Ryzen 9 7900

The Intel Core i9-7980XE is an end-of-life 18-core (36-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2017 with a suggested retail price of $1,999. It is part of Intel's Core i9 Extreme lineup, which is based on the X-Series 7th Gen microarchitecture. The i9-7980XE is compatible with Intel Socket 2066 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Core i9-7980XE supports DDR4 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i9-7980XE has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 24.75 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-7980XE features 18 total cores which can process 36 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.4 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i9-7980XE does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7900 is a 12-core (24-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2023 with a suggested retail price of $429. It is part of AMD's Ryzen 9 lineup, which is based on the Zen 4 microarchitecture. The 7900 is compatible with AMD Socket AM5 motherboards and is fabricated on TSMC's 5 nm manufacturing process. It features the Radeon Graphics integrated graphics solution and is bundled with a Wraith Prism cooler.

Memory and Cache

The Ryzen 9 7900 supports DDR5 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen 9 7900 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 64 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Ryzen 9 7900 features 12 total cores which can process 24 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.4 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Ryzen 9 7900 includes an integrated graphics solution called Radeon Graphics. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Ryzen 9 7900 has the 28th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 791 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 68.79% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Its 26,325 score and $429 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 61.36. This is the 38th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.