Intel Core i7-980

Intel Core i7-980
Benchmarks & Specs

Last updated:
The Intel Core i7-980 was a real powerhouse in its time. This processor was based on the Gulftown architecture and was manufactured using the then-modern 32-nm process. It positioned itself as a high-end solution for demanding users. We still remember its robust design and reliability. With six cores and twelve threads, the Intel Core i7-980 offered considerable multitasking capabilities.

This enabled smooth work with several applications open simultaneously. Another advantage was the generous 12 MB Level 3 cache. This provided fast data access and contributed to overall performance. The maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s further supported this. Even today, the Intel Core i7-980 can provide a solid foundation for certain tasks.

It can still be used for older games or certain less demanding workloads. It was truly ahead of its time and remains a remarkable piece of technology even today.
  • Six cores and twelve threads
  • Generous 12 MB Level 3 Cache
  • Manufactured in 32-nm process
  • High-end processor of its time

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 759 / 867
In segment Desktop
Multi-core performance
Rank 627 / 821
In segment Desktop
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core i5-2500k
4C / 4T · 3.70 GHz
651
Intel Pentium G4500T
2C / 2T · 3.00 GHz
649
Intel Core i7-980
6C / 12T · 3.60 GHz
645
Intel Core i5-3330
4C / 4T · 3.20 GHz
643
Intel Core i5-3330S
4C / 4T · 3.20 GHz
642
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Core i5-6400T
4C / 4T · 2.50 GHz
2,732
Intel Core i3-6320
2C / 4T · 3.90 GHz
2,730
Intel Core i7-980
6C / 12T · 3.33 GHz
2,714
Intel Xeon Bronze 3204
6C / 6T · 1.90 GHz
2,698
Intel Core i3-7320
2C / 4T · 4.10 GHz
2,677
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2
8C / 16T · 3.40 GHz
622
Intel Xeon E5-2660 v2
10C / 20T · 3.00 GHz
618
Intel Core i7-980
6C / 12T · 3.60 GHz
614
AMD FX-9370
AMD FX-9370 100 %
8C / 8T · 4.70 GHz
613
Intel Pentium G860
2C / 2T · 3.00 GHz
611
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Xeon Bronze 3106
8C / 8T · 1.70 GHz
3,389
Intel Core i3-10100E
4C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
3,382
Intel Core i7-980
6C / 12T · 3.33 GHz
3,370
Intel Core i7-4770
4C / 8T · 3.60 GHz
3,367
Intel Pentium Gold G7400
2C / 4T · 3.70 GHz
3,358
CPU-Z Benchmark 17 Multi-Core

CPU-Z Benchmark 17 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Xeon E5-2640 v2
8C / 16T · 2.00 GHz
2,307
Intel Xeon E5-2630L v3
8C / 16T · 1.80 GHz
2,292
Intel Core i7-980
6C / 12T · 3.33 GHz
2,275
Intel Core i7-7700
4C / 8T · 3.60 GHz
2,266
Intel Core i7-5775C
4C / 8T · 3.30 GHz
2,218

More benchmarks

At a glance

PropertyValue
FamilyIntel Core i7 (300)
CPU groupIntel Core i7 900 (4)
ArchitectureGulftown
Technology32 nm
SegmentDesktop
SocketLGA 1366
Generation1
Predecessor
Successor

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

PropertyValue
CPU Cores / Threads6 / 12
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturenormal
Cores: 6x
Frequency: 3.33 GHz
Turbo Frequency (1 Core): 3.60 GHz
Turbo Frequency (6 Cores):
L2-Cache1.50 MB
L3-Cache12.00 MB
OverclockingNo

Memory & PCIe

Memory typeMemory bandwidth
DDR3-1066
25.6 GB/s
PropertyValue
Max. Memory24 GB
Memory channels3
ECC
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

PropertyValue
TDP130 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

PropertyValue
Chip designMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsWindows 10, Linux
Instruction setx86-64 (64 bit)
ISA extensionsSSE4.1, SSE4.2
Release dateQ2/2011
Release price594 $
DocumentsTechnical data sheet
Intel Core i7-980
Intel Core i7-980
Buy now on Amazon and save! Buy on Amazon