Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 vs Intel Core i9 7980XE Specifications Comparison

Today here at Face of IT, we are comparing two of the best microprocessors by Intel from their respective categories. The processors we are examining today are Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 vs Intel Core i9 7980XE microprocessors from Intel’s X-series. Xeon Platinum 8180 is top notch server microprocessor, while Intel Core i9 7980XE is their best of line mainstream desktop microprocessor. Today, we will find out where they stand as we put their technical details side by side and compare each briefly. Before we begin, here is a quick introduction of both microprocessors:

Intel Xeon Platinum 8180: (Check on Newegg)

This one is a 64-bit 28 core x86 processor. Released back in mid-2017, the Xeon Platinum 8180 is the best server microprocessor by Intel with highest multi-socket performance. It comes with support for up to 8-way SMP multiprocessing. This microprocessor is based on Skylake server configuration microarchitecture. 14 nm+ manufacturing process is used to manufacture Platinum 8180. It supports dual AVX-512 FMA units, and triple ultra path interconnect links. It operates on 2.5 GHz base frequency while consuming TDP of 205W. With turbo boost technology, the operating frequency can go up to 3.8 GHz. Moreover, the Xeon Platinum 8180 supports 768 GiB of Hexa-Channel DDR4 2666 ECC memory module.

Intel X-Series i9-7980XE: (Check on Newegg)

The i9-7980XE was also introduced in mid-2017 by Intel which primarily caters to their HEDT portfolio. It is a 64-bit octadecane-core processor, sitting on top of the line in Intel’s x86 desktop microprocessors. It is based on mainstream Skylake microarchitecture. It uses the same 14 nm+ manufacturing process as the previous processor. It operates on TPD of 165 Watts while delivering 2.6 GHz. The frequency can go up to 4.2 GHz with Intel’s turbo boost technology. It can power up 128 GiB of quad-channel DDR4 2666 memory module. Succeeding the previous Core i7 6590X, the i9 7980XE is currently the best processor by Intel in their Skylake microarchitecture flagship processors.  One more notable fact about it is that it is the first ever consumer class microprocessor that offers an octadecane core architecture.

Specs Comparison: Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 vs Intel Core i9 7980XE

Now that we have provided a brief introduction to both Xeon Platinum 8180 and i9 7980XE let us take the discussion towards to the main discussion. Following is a side by side comparison of all important specifications and technical details of these two processors followed by a brief discussion. We hope this information would help you to understand these two processors completely.

Processor

Specification	Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 Check on Amazon	Intel Core i9 7980XE $1,799.99
Number of Cores	28-core	18-core
Compatible Processor Socket	LGA3647 Socket	FCLGA-2066
Clock Speed	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed	3.8 GHz	4.2 GHz
Type / Form Factor	Intel Xeon Platinum 8180	Intel Core i9 7980XE X-series (7th Gen)
Cache Memory Details	L3 – Smart Cache – 38.5 MB	L3 – 24.75 MB
Processor Qty	1	1
Type	Xeon Platinum	Core i9
Number of Threads	56 threads	36 threads
Installed Qty	1	1
Cache	38.5 MB	24.75 MB
Manufacturer	Intel	Intel
Manufacturing Process	14 nm	14nm
Thermal Specification	84 °C	94 °C

Let’s start with the basic things first. As shown in the table above, the Xeon Platinum 8180 comes with 28 cores while i9 7980XE has only 18 cores. This is quite considerable as Xeon Platinum 8180 is supposed to be used on server level configuration, while the I9 7980 XE is an only mainstream consumer level microprocessor. Both of them use different types of socket, which is pretty obvious. Their base frequency is almost the same. Xeon delivers 2.5 GHz at the base while i9 delivers 2.6 GH at the base. Using Intel’s turbo boost technology, these processors can deliver up to 3.8 GHz, and 4.2 GHz boosted frequency respectively. It is pretty impressive that i9 beats Xeon both in based and boosted frequency.

Both processors are produced using the 14nm manufacturing process by the very same manufacturer, as the table above indicates. The average working temperature for Xeon Platinum is 84 degree Celsius, while Core i9 sits on 94 degree Celsius, the reason being that Xeon is optimized for working with server level configurations, which handle excellent processing load and require better cooling systems and optimizations.

Cache Memory Details

Let’s move towards the caching method now. Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 offers 38.5 MB of L3 cache, and Intel Core i9 7980XE comes with 24.75 MB of L3 cache. If you have basic knowledge about the functionality of CPUs, you know that cache offers faster data access in cache-intense operations. Moreover, it is noticeable that Xeon is offering smart caching method. This method is proprietary to Intel for boosting up multi-threading processors. We are not sure about how it works exactly, but it will surely give an edge over the common L3 cache.

Architecture Features

Despite being from two different categories of processors, the Xeon Platinum 8180 and Core i9 7980XE have many features common. In the table above, the feature listed above the dividing line is present in both processors while those below divider are exclusive for the respective processor. Intel Xeon Platinum offers TSX-NI, Speedshift technology, trusted execution and vPro technology. These features are not present in i9 core since mainstream processors don’t need them. You can find out detailed information about each listed technology/feature on their official website.

Conclusion:

Both Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 and Intel Core i9 7980XE are top of the line within their categories. We hope this post helps you to understand all the significant differences between these two Intel microprocessors. If there is any suggestion or query on your mind, feel free to contact us or drop your thought in the comment section below. Make sure you subscribe us for regular tech updates, Thank You!