Compare CPUs Head-to-Head. Make the Right Choice.

Unleashing the Beast: Intel Core i5 14500T vs Intel Core i9 9980XE – Which Reigns Supreme?

Summary

  • While the i5 14500T is a modern, power-efficient chip designed for everyday tasks, the i9 9980XE is a behemoth of a CPU from a previous generation, boasting a massive core count for demanding workloads.
  • The Intel Core i9 9980XE is a clear winner in terms of core count, sporting a staggering 18 cores and 36 threads.
  • While the Intel Core i9 9980XE boasts a higher core count, the Intel Core i5 14500T often outperforms it in single-threaded and multi-threaded benchmarks, especially in newer applications that can take advantage of the latest processor architecture.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two seemingly disparate processors: the Intel Core i5 14500T and the **Intel Core i9 9980XE**. While the i5 14500T is a modern, power-efficient chip designed for everyday tasks, the i9 9980XE is a behemoth of a CPU from a previous generation, boasting a massive core count for demanding workloads.
This blog post will analyze these processors across various aspects, helping you determine which one aligns better with your specific requirements.

Core Count and Architecture

The Intel Core i9 9980XE is a clear winner in terms of core count, sporting a staggering 18 cores and 36 threads. This makes it a powerhouse for applications that can benefit from parallel processing, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i5 14500T is a more modest offering with 6 cores and 12 threads. While this may seem less impressive, it’s important to note that the 14500T utilizes Intel‘s latest Raptor Lake architecture, which features significant performance improvements per core compared to the older Skylake-X architecture of the 9980XE.

Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost

The Intel Core i5 14500T has a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz and can boost up to 4.6 GHz on a single core. This is a significant advantage over the Intel Core i9 9980XE, which has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz.
While the 9980XE boasts a higher base clock speed, the 14500T’s Turbo Boost capabilities allow it to reach higher peak performance, especially when handling lighter workloads.

Cache and Memory Support

The Intel Core i9 9980XE features a massive 24.75 MB of L3 cache, which helps improve performance for frequently accessed data. However, the Intel Core i5 14500T has a smaller 18 MB L3 cache.
In terms of memory support, both processors support DDR4 memory, but the 14500T can handle DDR4-3200 speeds, while the 9980XE is limited to DDR4-2666.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP)

The Intel Core i5 14500T is a significantly more power-efficient processor than the Intel Core i9 9980XE. It has a TDP of 35W, compared to the 9980XE’s 165W. This means the 14500T consumes less power and generates less heat, making it ideal for compact systems and laptops.

Integrated Graphics

The Intel Core i5 14500T features integrated Iris Xe graphics, which provides basic graphics capabilities for everyday tasks like web browsing and light gaming. The Intel Core i9 9980XE, on the other hand, lacks integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated graphics card for any visual output.

Performance Benchmarks

While the Intel Core i9 9980XE boasts a higher core count, the Intel Core i5 14500T often outperforms it in single-threaded and multi-threaded benchmarks, especially in newer applications that can take advantage of the latest processor architecture.
For tasks like web browsing, office productivity, and casual gaming, the 14500T delivers comparable or even better performance than the 9980XE, despite having fewer cores.

Price and Availability

The Intel Core i5 14500T is significantly more affordable than the Intel Core i9 9980XE. This makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious users and those looking for a balance between performance and cost.

Use Cases and Target Audience

The Intel Core i9 9980XE is a powerful processor designed for demanding workloads such as content creation, professional software development, and scientific research. It’s a great choice for users who need maximum performance and are willing to pay a premium for it.
The Intel Core i5 14500T, on the other hand, is a more versatile processor suitable for a wider range of users. It’s an excellent option for everyday tasks, light gaming, and casual content creation. Its low power consumption and affordability make it an attractive choice for users looking for a balance between performance and value.

Final Thoughts: Which CPU is Right for You?

The choice between the Intel Core i5 14500T and the Intel Core i9 9980XE ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you require maximum performance for demanding workloads and are willing to invest in a high-end processor, the Intel Core i9 9980XE remains a powerful option.
However, for most users, the Intel Core i5 14500T offers a compelling combination of performance, power efficiency, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for everyday computing, light gaming, and casual content creation.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Is the Intel Core i5 14500T good for gaming?
A: The Intel Core i5 14500T is capable of handling most modern games at high settings, especially when paired with a dedicated graphics card. However, for demanding AAA titles at ultra-high settings, a higher-end processor might be necessary.
Q: Can the Intel Core i9 9980XE be upgraded to DDR5 memory?
A: No, the Intel Core i9 9980XE only supports DDR4 memory.
Q: Which processor has a better upgrade path?
A: The Intel Core i5 14500T has a better upgrade path as it is part of Intel’s latest generation platform. This means you can potentially upgrade to newer processors and motherboards in the future. The Intel Core i9 9980XE is based on an older platform with limited upgrade options.
Q: Is the Intel Core i5 14500T suitable for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i5 14500T can handle basic video editing tasks, but for professional-level video editing with demanding projects, a more powerful processor like the Intel Core i9 9980XE might be a better choice.

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About the Author
Ethan is a passionate tech enthusiast and writer at Processor Insight, where he dives into the intricacies of CPUs, providing comprehensive comparison guides, insightful knowledge, and practical tips to help readers make informed decisions.