What To Know
- Choosing the right CPU is a crucial decision for anyone building a new PC, whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a professional.
- This comparison pits a veteran of the high-end desktop (HEDT) segment, the 9980XE, against the latest and greatest from Intel’s new “Ultra” series, the 164U.
- If you’re looking for a significant performance boost, especially in multi-threaded workloads, upgrading from the 9980XE to the 164U is a worthwhile investment.
Choosing the right CPU is a crucial decision for anyone building a new PC, whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a professional. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you. Today, we’re going to dive into a head-to-head comparison of two powerful processors: the Intel Core i9 9980XE and the **Intel Core Ultra 7 164U**.
This comparison pits a veteran of the high-end desktop (HEDT) segment, the 9980XE, against the latest and greatest from Intel’s new “Ultra” series, the 164U. We’ll break down their key features, performance in different workloads, and ultimately help you decide which CPU reigns supreme.
The Contenders: A Closer Look
Intel Core i9 9980XE: This behemoth is a 18-core, 36-thread processor released in 2018. It’s based on Intel’s Skylake-X architecture and boasts a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock of 4.5 GHz. It features a massive 24.75 MB L3 cache and supports up to 256 GB of DDR4 memory.
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U: The 164U is Intel’s flagship processor in the new Ultra series, released in 2023. It boasts a 24-core, 32-thread architecture based on the Raptor Lake architecture. It has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock of 5.2 GHz, making it significantly faster than the 9980XE. It supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory.
Performance: The Battleground
Gaming: While both CPUs are capable of delivering exceptional gaming performance, the 164U emerges as the clear winner. Its higher clock speeds and more modern architecture translate to smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, especially in demanding titles.
Content Creation: For tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design, the 164U again takes the lead. Its 24 cores and 32 threads offer a significant advantage in multi-threaded workloads, allowing for faster rendering times and smoother editing experiences.
Productivity: Both CPUs excel in productivity tasks like web browsing, office applications, and general multitasking. However, the 164U’s faster clock speeds and improved efficiency give it a slight edge in overall responsiveness.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The 9980XE was renowned for its power-hungry nature. Despite its impressive performance, it drew a considerable amount of power, leading to higher electricity bills and potentially requiring a beefy power supply. The 164U, on the other hand, boasts significant improvements in power efficiency. Its advanced architecture and manufacturing process allow it to deliver similar performance with lower power consumption, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
Features and Technology
Intel Core i9 9980XE: This CPU supports Intel’s Optane memory technology, which can significantly improve storage speeds. It also features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing basic graphical capabilities.
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U: The 164U includes Intel’s latest technologies like Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, which dynamically increases clock speeds based on thermal headroom. It also supports PCIe 5.0, enabling faster data transfer speeds for high-performance storage devices and peripherals.
Price and Value
The 9980XE, despite being a few years old, still commands a hefty price tag. The 164U, while more expensive at launch, offers a much better price-to-performance ratio, considering its superior performance, efficiency, and modern features.
The Verdict: Who Wins?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U emerges as the clear winner in this showdown. Its superior performance, power efficiency, modern technologies, and overall value make it a compelling choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike. While the 9980XE remains a capable processor, it’s overshadowed by the 164U’s advancements in nearly every aspect.
The Future of High-End Computing
The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U represents a significant leap forward in high-end computing. It showcases Intel‘s commitment to delivering powerful and efficient processors that meet the demands of today’s demanding workloads. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more impressive innovations in the coming years, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with desktop CPUs.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Should I upgrade from the 9980XE to the 164U?
A: If you’re looking for a significant performance boost, especially in multi-threaded workloads, upgrading from the 9980XE to the 164U is a worthwhile investment. The 164U offers a substantial performance jump, improved power efficiency, and access to the latest technologies.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for the 164U?
A: The 164U requires a motherboard with an Intel 700 series chipset, DDR5 memory, and a high-wattage power supply. Check your motherboard’s specifications for compatible CPUs and other requirements.
Q: Is the 164U suitable for gaming?
A: Absolutely! The 164U delivers exceptional gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. Its high clock speeds and powerful architecture ensure smooth gameplay and high frame rates.
Q: What are the alternatives to the 164U?
A: While the 164U is currently Intel’s flagship processor, other high-end options include AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X and Ryzen 9 7900X. These CPUs offer comparable performance and features, so it’s worth considering them as well.