Intel Core i9-9980XE 18-Core HEDT Desktop Processor — I9-9980XE

The Intel Core i9-9980XE is an 18-core, 36-thread Skylake-X Refresh high-end desktop (HEDT) processor operating at 3.00GHz base clock with Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0, 24.75MB L3 cache, and quad-channel DDR4 memory support on the LGA2066 platform. Designed for extreme content creation, 3D rendering, scientific computing, and professional workstation workloads requiring maximum core count and memory bandwidth, it is Intel's flagship X-series HEDT processor for the LGA2066 ecosystem.

Product Details

• Part Number: I9-9980XE
• Manufacturer: Intel
• Model: Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition
• Product Type: HEDT Desktop Processor

Key Features

• 18 Cores / 36 Threads: Maximum multi-threaded performance for extreme workstation workloads
• Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0: Intelligent boost to highest-performing cores
• Quad-Channel DDR4: Maximum memory bandwidth for memory-intensive workloads
• 44 PCIe 3.0 Lanes: Extensive PCIe for multiple GPUs and NVMe SSDs
• 24.75MB L3 Cache: Large cache for reduced latency in multi-threaded workloads
• Unlocked Multiplier: Full overclocking support on X299 motherboards

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: I9-9980XE
• Cores / Threads: 18 / 36
• Base Clock: 3.00 GHz
• Max Turbo: Up to 4.40 GHz (Turbo Boost Max 3.0)
• L3 Cache: 24.75MB
• Socket: FCLGA2066
• TDP: 165W
• Memory: DDR4 quad-channel, up to 256GB
• PCIe Lanes: 44x PCIe 3.0
• DMI: 8.00 GT/s

Use Cases

• 3D Rendering: Maximum core count for Cinema 4D, Blender, and V-Ray rendering
• Video Production: 18-core performance for 4K/8K video editing and encoding
• Scientific Computing: High core count for simulation and computational workloads
• Multi-GPU Workstations: 44 PCIe lanes for multiple professional GPU cards

Compatibility Notes

• Compatible with Intel X299 chipset motherboards with FCLGA2066 socket
• Requires quad-channel DDR4 memory for maximum bandwidth — install in sets of four
• 165W TDP — requires high-performance LGA2066 CPU cooler
• Unlocked multiplier — overclocking supported on X299 motherboards

Frequently Asked Questions

What motherboard is required for the i9-9980XE?

The i9-9980XE requires an Intel X299 chipset motherboard with FCLGA2066 socket. X299 motherboards support quad-channel DDR4 memory and up to 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU.

What is Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0?

Turbo Boost Max 3.0 identifies the two highest-performing cores on the processor and preferentially schedules single and lightly-threaded workloads to those cores — delivering higher boost frequencies than standard Turbo Boost 2.0.

How many GPUs can the i9-9980XE support?

With 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, the i9-9980XE supports up to three x16 GPUs simultaneously (or other PCIe device combinations) — making it ideal for multi-GPU professional workstation configurations.

Whether you are building an extreme content creation workstation, deploying a multi-GPU rendering system, or running scientific computing workloads requiring maximum core count, the Intel Core i9-9980XE delivers the 18-core performance, quad-channel memory bandwidth, and 44 PCIe lanes your extreme workstation demands.