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The Ultimate Showdown: Intel Core i9 9980XE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135H for Gaming and Performance

What to know

  • the Intel Core i9 9980XE, a behemoth from 2018, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, a modern marvel from 2023.
  • On the other hand, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, belonging to the Raptor Lake family, is a mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops.
  • If you require a processor for demanding multi-threaded workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a good choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new generations of processors offering significant performance improvements. This often leaves users wondering how the latest releases stack up against older, but still powerful, models. Today, we’ll be diving into a fascinating comparison between two processors from different eras: the Intel Core i9 9980XE, a behemoth from 2018, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, a modern marvel from 2023. This Intel Core i9 9980XE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135H showdown will explore their key features, performance metrics, and ultimately help you decide which CPU is the right fit for your specific needs.

Architectural Differences: A Tale of Two Designs

The Intel Core i9 9980XE, part of the Skylake-X family, is a desktop processor designed for high-end workstations and gaming rigs. It boasts a staggering 18 cores and 36 threads, making it a powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking. It features a 3.0 GHz base clock speed and can turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz.
On the other hand, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, belonging to the Raptor Lake family, is a mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops. It has 14 cores and 20 threads, with a 1.3 GHz base clock speed and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz. Although it has fewer cores than the 9980XE, its higher clock speeds and improved architecture make it a formidable competitor.

Performance: Comparing the Giants

The Intel Core i9 9980XE, with its massive core count, excels in multi-threaded workloads. It can handle complex tasks with ease, making it ideal for professionals who need maximum performance. However, its single-core performance is slightly hampered by its older architecture.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, while having fewer cores, boasts significantly higher clock speeds and a more advanced architecture, resulting in impressive single-core performance. This makes it a better choice for tasks that heavily rely on single-core performance, such as gaming and productivity applications.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: The Modern Advantage

The Intel Core i9 9980XE is a power-hungry beast, consuming a significant amount of energy. Its high TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 watts means it generates a lot of heat, requiring robust cooling solutions.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, on the other hand, is significantly more power-efficient. Its lower TDP of 45 watts allows it to operate with less heat and power consumption, making it ideal for mobile devices.

Price and Availability: The Value Proposition

The Intel Core i9 9980XE, being an older generation processor, is now available at a more affordable price point compared to its release price. However, it’s still a relatively expensive option, especially when compared to the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, being a newer generation processor, is available in laptops and other mobile devices. Its price varies depending on the specific device, but it’s generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9 9980XE.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor

The choice between the Intel Core i9 9980XE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you require a processor for demanding multi-threaded workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a good choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Its massive core count provides unparalleled power for these tasks.
However, if you prioritize single-core performance, power efficiency, and portability, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H is the better option. Its higher clock speeds and modern architecture make it ideal for gaming, productivity applications, and mobile use.

The Future of Computing: A Look Ahead

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H represents the future of computing. Its power efficiency, improved performance, and integration with mobile devices signify a shift towards more versatile and powerful processors.
As technology advances, we can expect to see even more powerful and efficient processors emerge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of computing.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the best processor for gaming?
A: Both processors offer good gaming performance, but the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H has a slight edge due to its higher clock speeds and more modern architecture. However, the Intel Core i9 9980XE can still provide excellent gaming performance, especially in games that benefit from multiple cores.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980XE is the better choice for video editing due to its higher core count. Its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously makes it ideal for complex video editing workflows.
Q: Which processor is more power efficient?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H is significantly more power efficient than the Intel Core i9 9980XE. Its lower TDP and optimized architecture allow it to operate with less heat and power consumption.
Q: Which processor is more affordable?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980XE is now available at a more affordable price point compared to its release price, but it’s still generally more expensive than the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H.
Q: Which processor is better for everyday use?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H is a better choice for everyday use, especially if you value portability and power efficiency. Its high single-core performance makes it ideal for productivity tasks, browsing, and light gaming.

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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.