Unleash the Power: Intel Core i9 10980XE vs Intel Core 7 150U Performance Comparison

Choosing the right CPU can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Today, we’re diving into the world of Intel CPUs, comparing two powerhouses: the Intel Core i7-1165G7 and the Intel Core i9-10980XE. This Intel Core i7-1165G7 vs Intel Core i9-10980XE comparison will shed light on their strengths, weaknesses, and help you determine which processor is the perfect fit for your needs.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a 11th Gen Intel Core processor designed for ultra-thin and light laptops. It boasts impressive power efficiency and integrated graphics, making it ideal for everyday tasks, light gaming, and content creation. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-10980XE is a behemoth belonging to Intel’s high-end X-series, designed for extreme performance in demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.

Architecture and Core Count: A Tale of Two Designs

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is built on the Tiger Lake architecture, featuring a 10nm process, while the Intel Core i9-10980XE is based on the Cascade Lake-X architecture, using a 14nm process. The Tiger Lake architecture emphasizes power efficiency and integrated graphics, while Cascade Lake-X prioritizes raw performance and core count.
The Intel Core i7-1165G7 packs 4 cores and 8 threads, making it a capable multitasker for everyday tasks. However, the Intel Core i9-10980XE blows it out of the water with a staggering 18 cores and 36 threads, making it a true powerhouse for demanding workloads.

Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost: Reaching Peak Performance

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 boasts a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.7 GHz. While these clock speeds are respectable for a mobile processor, the Intel Core i9-10980XE takes the crown with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.6 GHz. This higher clock speed translates to faster processing speeds, especially for single-threaded applications.

Cache and Memory: The Powerhouse of Data Access

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 has 12 MB of L3 cache, which is sufficient for its core count. However, the Intel Core i9-10980XE boasts a massive 24.75 MB of L3 cache, providing ample space to store frequently accessed data, leading to faster processing and reduced latency.
The Intel Core i7-1165G7 supports DDR4-3200 memory, while the Intel Core i9-10980XE supports DDR4-2666 memory. While the Intel Core i7-1165G7 offers a higher memory speed, the Intel Core i9-10980XE’s higher core count and cache size often result in faster overall performance.

Integrated Graphics: A Visual Comparison

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 integrates Intel Iris Xe Graphics, offering decent performance for casual gaming and multimedia playback. The Intel Core i9-10980XE, however, lacks integrated graphics, requiring a separate graphics card for any visual output.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power: A Look at Efficiency

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is designed for power efficiency, with a TDP of 15W and a maximum Turbo Power of 28W. This makes it ideal for thin and light laptops where battery life is crucial. The Intel Core i9-10980XE, on the other hand, has a TDP of 165W and a maximum Turbo Power of 255W, indicating a significantly higher power consumption.

Benchmarking: Putting the Processors to the Test

Benchmarking provides a more objective comparison of the processors’ performance. In single-threaded benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-10980XE generally outperforms the Intel Core i7-1165G7, thanks to its higher clock speeds and larger cache. However, in multithreaded benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-10980XE shines, leveraging its 18 cores and 36 threads to deliver significantly faster results.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor

The choice between the Intel Core i7-1165G7 and the Intel Core i9-10980XE ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a power-efficient processor for everyday tasks, light gaming, and content creation in a thin and light laptop, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a solid choice.
However, if you require extreme performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming, the Intel Core i9-10980XE is the undisputed champion. Its sheer core count and processing power are unmatched, making it a true powerhouse for demanding workloads.

The Final Word: A Reflection on Performance and Value

While the Intel Core i9-10980XE offers unparalleled performance, it comes at a hefty price tag and requires a powerful cooling solution. The Intel Core i7-1165G7, on the other hand, provides a balance of performance and power efficiency, making it a great choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to your individual needs and budget. If you need the absolute best performance, the Intel Core i9-10980XE is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more balanced and budget-friendly option, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a solid contender.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: The Intel Core i9-10980XE is generally better for gaming, especially in demanding titles that can utilize its high core count and processing power. However, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 can still handle many games smoothly, especially at lower settings.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i9-10980XE is significantly better for video editing, thanks to its high core count and processing power. It can handle complex editing tasks and render videos much faster than the Intel Core i7-1165G7.
Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?
A: The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is much more power-efficient than the Intel Core i9-10980XE. It has a significantly lower TDP and is designed for use in thin and light laptops where battery life is crucial.
Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks?
A: Both processors can handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, email, and office applications. However, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a better choice for everyday tasks, as it is more power-efficient and offers a more balanced performance.
Q: Which processor is better for budget-conscious users?
A: The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a better choice for budget-conscious users, as it is significantly less expensive than the Intel Core i9-10980XE.