Intel Core i9-7980XE socket: LGA 2066
The Intel Core i9-7980XE uses the LGA 2066 socket on X299 boards. It is an 18 core Skylake-X flagship at 165 W with boost to 4.2 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2066
- Launched
- September 2017
- Cores and threads
- 18 and 36
- Base power
- 165 W
- Codename
- Skylake-X
- Segment
- HEDT
- Family
- Intel Core i9
- Clocks
- 2.6 / 4.2 GHz
Intel Core i9-7980XE specifications
| Cores | 18 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 36 |
| Core architecture | Skylake-X on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz Turbo |
| Cache | 24.75 MB L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 165 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666, four channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 44 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | FCLGA2066 (45.0 × 52.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i9-7980XE needs a motherboard with a LGA 2066 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X299 HEDT | X299 | Works out of the box The 7000 series launched with X299. The 9000 series refresh needs a newer BIOS on early boards. Check the board CPU support list. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 2066.
LGA 2066 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,066 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2017 |
| Memory | DDR4-2933, four channels, up to 256 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Core i9-7980XE is
The Core i9-7980XE is an eighteen core, thirty six thread HEDT flagship from Skylake-X. It launched in September 2017 with a 2.6 GHz base and up to 4.2 GHz Turbo at 165 W. Eighteen cores cover top rendering towers where maximum threads finish jobs fastest.
Twenty four point seven five megabytes of L3 cache feed eighteen cores. The low 2.6 GHz base reflects the high core count in 165 W, while 4.2 GHz burst keeps interactive work usable. All core loads settle well below peak for thermals.
No integrated graphics ship. Quad channel DDR4-2666 up to 128 GB gives bandwidth for huge assets. Forty four PCIe lanes support multi GPU rendering.
Intel priced the 7980XE at $1999 at launch as the Skylake-X flagship. Studios that needed maximum HEDT threads chose it before later generations. Unlocked multiplier allows tuning with extreme cooling.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7980XE fits LGA 2066 on X299 with BIOS for 18 core parts. High end X299 boards with strong power delivery suit 165 W flagships. Check the maker list for stepping.
Forty four lanes allow three GPUs plus NVMe storage. Four channels reward balanced memory kits. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers HEDT lane use.
The Core i9-7960X on the same socket trims two cores where cost matters. There is no higher Skylake-X above the 7980XE.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 in four channels up to 128 GB is the target. Matched quartets hold quad channel mode. Eight DIMM boards add capacity.
Forty four PCIe 3.0 lanes feed rendering GPUs and fast scratch arrays. Nodes split lanes per board manuals.
One hundred sixty five watts need custom liquid or top air with even pressure. Sustained all core renders need high airflow and cool ambients.
Upgrade paths
On X299 there is no higher Skylake-X above the 7980XE, so growth means Cascade Lake-X on the same socket where BIOS allows it, or a new platform.
Most owners add memory and GPUs before new CPUs. DDR4 kits and coolers often carry across.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i9-7980XE use?
It uses LGA 2066 on X299 boards.
How many cores does the i9-7980XE have?
Eighteen cores with thirty six threads at 2.6 GHz base with up to 4.2 GHz Turbo.
Does the i9-7980XE have integrated graphics?
No. A discrete GPU is required.
How many PCIe lanes does the i9-7980XE have?
44 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU.
When did the i9-7980XE launch?
September 2017 as the Skylake-X flagship.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .