Core i7 980 Benchmarks & Performance Report

Sysbuilds Alpha Stage!

Please take all results with a big grain of salt. Sysbuilds is in alpha stage at the moment which can lead to wrong data, strange counting errors, silly results and more. This site is under active development.

Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.

Overall Score

Overall score for Core i7 980 based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

4,767 Rank: 1045

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
1041	Athlon Silver 7120U	4,776	+0.2%
1042	Core i5-4200H	4,772	+0.1%
1043	Core i7-3615QM	4,771	+0.1%
1044	Core i7-3610QM	4,770	+0.1%
1045	Core i7 980	4,767
1046	Core i3-4130T	4,767	+0%
1047	Xeon E3-1240 V2	4,766	+-0%
1048	Pentium Gold G6400	4,766	+-0%
1049	Xeon D-1520	4,764	-0.1%
1050	Core i7-3630QM	4,764	-0.1%

View full ranking →

Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core i7 980 based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

4,784 Rank: 866

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
862	Core i7-2700K	4,787	+0.1%
863	Ryzen Embedded V1807B	4,786	+0%
864	Core i3-9300T	4,786	+0%
865	Xeon X5660	4,786	+0%
866	Core i7 980	4,784
867	Core i5-7600T	4,783	+-0%
868	Core i7-4700HQ	4,783	+-0%
869	Core i7-3720QM	4,782	+-0%
870	Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U	4,781	-0.1%
871	Ryzen 3 1300X	4,781	-0.1%

View full ranking →

Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core i7 980 based on single-threaded benchmark results.

4,756 Rank: 1107

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
1103	Xeon W3680	4,758	+0%
1104	Xeon E5-1603 v4	4,757	+0%
1105	Core i5-6200U	4,757	+0%
1106	A12-9800	4,757	+0%
1107	Core i7 980	4,756
1108	Core i5-4200M	4,755	+-0%
1109	Xeon D-1520	4,754	+-0%
1110	Core i5-4310U	4,754	+-0%
1111	Core i7-3632QM	4,753	-0.1%
1112	Celeron G1850	4,753	-0.1%

View full ranking →

Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.

Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core i7 980 based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Number Crunching score not yet available.

View full ranking →

Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core i7 980 based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Data Processing score not yet available.

View full ranking →

Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core i7 980 based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Physics & Compute score not yet available.

View full ranking →

Core i7 980 Details

Built on Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture at 32 nm, the Core i7-980 represents a high-end desktop processor from an earlier era of Intel's 6-core lineup. Released in the late 2000s, it is now considered an older device, having been superseded by more modern architectures and significantly faster processors. Despite its age, the Core i7-980 remains a notable performer in its class, particularly due to its 6-core, 12-thread design, which was rare at the time of its launch. The processor operates at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and can boost up to 3.6 GHz using Turbo Boost technology, providing a balance of performance and power efficiency for its time.

The Core i7-980 is designed for the FCLGA1366 socket, supporting up to 24 GB of DDR3-1066 memory across three channels, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. It features a 12 MB L3 cache and supports PCIe 3.0, with configurations allowing up to 16 lanes of connectivity. The processor has a TDP of 130 W, indicating higher power consumption and heat output compared to modern equivalents, making it best suited for well-cooled systems with adequate thermal management. It also supports Intel's Hyper-Threading (HT) technology, enabling efficient multitasking and improved performance in parallel workloads.

Integrated into the Core i7-980 is the HD Graphics 2500 GPU, featuring a base frequency of 650 MHz and a burst frequency of up to 1.1 GHz. This integrated graphics solution supports up to three displays and offers sufficient performance for basic multimedia tasks and light gaming. While not competitive with modern discrete GPUs, it provides essential graphical capabilities without requiring a separate graphics card.

The Core i7-980 supports a range of advanced features, including AES-NI for encryption acceleration, AVX2 for enhanced vector processing, and Intel VT-x and VT-d for virtualization. It also includes EIST (Enhanced SpeedStep) for dynamic power management and TXT (Trusted Execution Technology) for secure computing environments. These technologies reflect Intel's focus on security, performance, and power efficiency in high-end desktop processors of its generation.

In benchmark testing, the Core i7-980 achieves an Overall Score of 4767, ranking #1045 out of 2060 processors. Its Singlecore Score is 4756, placing it at #1107, while its Multicore Score reaches 4784, ranking #866. These results place it just behind similar high-end CPUs such as the Core i5-6200U and Xeon W3680, but ahead of many modern mid-tier processors like the Core i5-4200M and Celeron G1850. The processor performs most strongly in multicore workloads, where its 6-core, 12-thread design delivers consistent performance, though its single-core performance is modest compared to modern standards.

As of March 2026, the Core i7-980 is best suited for legacy systems, retro computing enthusiasts, or users requiring a reliable, multi-threaded processor for non-demanding applications. While it lacks the raw performance and efficiency of today's CPUs, its historical significance and robust feature set make it a compelling choice for specific use cases where compatibility with older hardware is essential.