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Battle of the Titans: Intel Core i5 14500HX vs Intel Core i9 9980XE – The Ultimate CPU Showdown!

Main points

  • The 9980XE excels in multi-threaded tasks due to its high core count, but its performance per core lags behind the 14500HX.
  • However, the 14500HX’s superior efficiency and performance per core allow it to catch up in many multi-threaded workloads, particularly in tasks that can utilize a higher clock speed.
  • The Intel Core i5 14500HX is a relatively new processor, readily available in the market.

The world of CPUs is a constant battleground of innovation and performance. As technology advances, newer processors emerge with impressive capabilities, often leaving older models in the dust. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating comparison between two CPUs from different eras: the Intel Core i5 14500HX and the Intel Core i9 9980XE. This “Intel Core i5 14500HX vs Intel Core i9 9980XE” matchup pits a modern, efficient processor against a powerful, high-core-count behemoth. Let’s see how these CPUs stack up against each other.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Intel Core i5 14500HX: This processor is a powerhouse of the modern era, belonging to Intel’s 14th Gen Raptor Lake family. It’s designed for high-performance laptops and boasts a 6-core, 12-thread configuration with a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a boost clock up to 5.0 GHz. The 14500HX utilizes Intel‘s latest architecture, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Intel Core i9 9980XE: This CPU hails from Intel’s 9th Gen Skylake-X series, a lineup known for its high core count. It boasts a staggering 18-core, 36-thread configuration with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.5 GHz. This chip was designed for extreme workloads and power-hungry applications.

Architecture and Performance: A Tale of Two Generations

The Intel Core i5 14500HX benefits from Intel’s latest Raptor Lake architecture, which brings significant advancements in terms of performance and efficiency. This architecture features a refined core design, improved cache hierarchy, and enhanced power management. The 14500HX leverages these advancements to deliver exceptional performance per watt, ensuring a balance between power and efficiency.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, on the other hand, utilizes the older Skylake-X architecture. While this architecture was impressive in its day, it lacks the modern optimizations found in Raptor Lake. The 9980XE excels in multi-threaded tasks due to its high core count, but its performance per core lags behind the 14500HX.

Benchmarking the Titans: A Comparative Analysis

Benchmarking reveals a clear picture of the performance gap between these two CPUs. In single-core benchmarks, the Intel Core i5 14500HX consistently outperforms the Intel Core i9 9980XE. This is primarily due to the 14500HX’s higher clock speeds and optimized architecture. In multi-core benchmarks, the 9980XE initially appears dominant thanks to its massive core count. However, the 14500HX’s superior efficiency and performance per core allow it to catch up in many multi-threaded workloads, particularly in tasks that can utilize a higher clock speed.

Gaming Performance: A Focus on Frames Per Second

Gaming performance is a crucial factor for many users. The Intel Core i5 14500HX shines in this area, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay experiences. Its high clock speeds and efficient architecture ensure that games run smoothly, even at high resolutions and demanding settings. The 9980XE, while capable of handling demanding games, struggles to match the 14500HX’s performance due to its lower clock speed and older architecture.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Modern Advantage

The Intel Core i5 14500HX demonstrates a significant advantage in power consumption and efficiency. Its modern architecture and advanced power management features allow it to operate at a lower power draw while delivering exceptional performance. This translates to longer battery life in laptops and reduced heat generation, making it a more desirable option for portable devices. The 9980XE, with its high core count and older architecture, consumes significantly more power, resulting in shorter battery life and increased heat output.

Price and Availability: A Factor of Time

The Intel Core i5 14500HX is a relatively new processor, readily available in the market. Its price point reflects its modern capabilities and performance, offering a compelling value proposition. The Intel Core i9 9980XE, being an older model, is no longer readily available in retail stores. While it can be found on the used market, its price may not be as competitive compared to newer processors.

The Verdict: A Modern Champion Takes the Crown

In this head-to-head showdown, the Intel Core i5 14500HX emerges as the clear winner. Its modern architecture, high clock speeds, and exceptional efficiency deliver superior performance in most tasks, including single-core, multi-core workloads, and gaming. While the 9980XE boasts an impressive core count, its older architecture and lower clock speeds hinder its overall performance.

Beyond the Battle: Choosing the Right CPU

While the 14500HX emerges as the victor in this matchup, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize overall performance, gaming, and efficiency, the 14500HX is an excellent choice. However, if you require a massive core count for highly specialized workloads, the 9980XE might still be relevant, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price on the used market.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the TDP of each CPU?
A: The Intel Core i5 14500HX has a TDP of 45W, while the Intel Core i9 9980XE has a TDP of 165W.
Q: Is the Intel Core i5 14500HX better for gaming?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i5 14500HX is generally better for gaming due to its higher clock speeds and optimized architecture.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 9980XE still relevant in 2023?
A: While the 9980XE is a powerful CPU, its performance is surpassed by newer processors. Its relevance depends on the specific workload and budget constraints.
Q: What is the difference between the Intel Core i5 14500HX and the Intel Core i7 14700HX?
A: The Intel Core i7 14700HX boasts a higher core count (8 cores, 16 threads) and slightly higher clock speeds compared to the 14500HX. It offers a performance boost for demanding workloads, particularly multi-threaded tasks.

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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.