Intel Core i9 9980XE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135H: Which CPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new generations bringing significant performance improvements and innovative features. Today we’ll delve into a fascinating comparison between two CPUs from different eras: the Intel Core i9 9980XE, a high-end desktop processor released in 2018, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, a powerful mobile chip launched in 2023. This clash of generations highlights the dramatic strides made in processor technology over the past five years, and helps us understand the strengths and weaknesses of each generation.

The Titans of Their Time: A Look at the Contenders

The Intel Core i9 9980XE was a behemoth in its time, boasting an impressive 18 cores and 36 threads, making it a champion for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking. Its high clock speeds and robust cache system ensured smooth performance for even the most complex workloads.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, on the other hand, represents the cutting edge of mobile computing. This 14-core processor, with 20 threads, leverages Intel‘s latest architecture, Raptor Lake, to deliver exceptional performance in a low-power package. It’s designed for ultra-thin laptops and powerful gaming machines, promising a blend of performance and efficiency.

A Tale of Two Architectures: Diving Deep into the Tech

The 9980XE is built on Intel’s Skylake-X architecture, which focused on core count and large caches. It offered a high base clock speed and Turbo Boost technology for enhanced performance. However, its power consumption was quite high, and its architecture wasn’t as efficient as newer iterations.
The 135H, however, is powered by the Raptor Lake architecture, featuring a hybrid core design. This design combines high-performance P-cores with efficient E-cores for better overall performance and power efficiency. The 135H also incorporates Intel’s latest technologies, such as Intel Thread Director, which intelligently distributes workloads for optimized performance.

Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown

While the 9980XE was a powerhouse in its era, the 135H outperforms it in almost every aspect. The 135H’s newer architecture, coupled with its hybrid core design, delivers significantly better performance per core, especially in single-threaded applications. In multi-threaded workloads, the 135H also shines, thanks to its higher core count and advanced Thread Director technology.

Power Consumption: The Efficiency Advantage

The 9980XE was known for its high power consumption, often requiring substantial cooling solutions. The 135H, on the other hand, is designed for mobile devices, and boasts impressive power efficiency. Its low power consumption allows for longer battery life in laptops and thinner, more portable designs.

Price and Availability: A Matter of Perspective

The 9980XE was a high-end desktop processor, commanding a premium price. It’s no longer readily available for purchase, but used models can be found in the market. The 135H, being a mobile processor, is more widely available and comes at a lower price point compared to its desktop counterparts.

The Verdict: A Clear Winner Emerges

While the 9980XE was a remarkable processor in its time, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H clearly emerges as the victor in this generational battle. Its newer architecture, hybrid core design, and power efficiency make it a superior choice for both performance and portability. The 135H caters to a wider range of users, from gamers to content creators, offering a balance of power and efficiency that was not possible with the 9980XE.

The Future of Computing: A Glimpse into Tomorrow

This comparison highlights the rapid evolution of CPU technology. The 135H showcases the direction Intel is taking with its future processors, prioritizing performance, efficiency, and versatility. As we move forward, we can expect even more powerful and efficient CPUs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in computing.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q1: Is the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H suitable for gaming?
A1: Absolutely! The 135H boasts impressive performance for gaming, thanks to its high clock speeds and efficient architecture. It can handle demanding games at high frame rates, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a powerful mobile device.
Q2: How does the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H compare to other mobile processors?
A2: The 135H is one of the most powerful mobile processors currently available. It outperforms its predecessors and rivals from other manufacturers in terms of performance and efficiency.
Q3: Will the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H be available in desktop versions?
A3: While the 135H is currently a mobile processor, Intel is expected to release desktop versions of its Raptor Lake architecture in the future.
Q4: What are the main differences between the Intel Core i9 9980XE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H?
A4: The 9980XE was a high-end desktop processor with a focus on core count, while the 135H is a mobile processor designed for power efficiency and versatility. The 135H utilizes a newer architecture, hybrid core design, and advanced technologies for better performance and lower power consumption.