10980XE vs 3950X
10980XE vs 3950X
You're weighing two upgrade paths for your EVGA X299 Dark. One option is to get the 10980XE with OC, while the other is a fresh X570 with a 3950X. Both seem similar in cost, and you're open to either choice. You're also interested in boosting performance further. What do others think?
I agree, since OP already has a mobo compatible with the 10980XE, go for it!
You're asking why someone would switch from a 10980XE to a 7980XE if they're already using the 10980XE. It makes sense to upgrade if you're looking for newer features, better performance, or updated technology. The 7980XE likely offers improvements that justify the change.
I concur with the others. The 10980XE serves as a minor addition to your solution, making it the optimal choice.
If money isn’t a constraint, you’re quickly drawn to the “value matters” side of things. The 10980XE makes sense only if you prioritize quad memory channel support or run applications with PCIe bandwidth limits (like non-gaming tasks). The 3950X outperforms it in most situations, and for anything beyond 1080p gaming, it’s essentially a fair choice. Upgrading to the 10980XE likely costs less than the 3950X, and since you’re focused on value, it probably offers better performance at a lower price.
Both options are viable because you're investing the same budget. It's important to remember that the 3950X uses just 140W when stocked and 250W when overclocked, whereas the 10980XE requires 250W in stock and more than 500W under load. That’s a significant difference in heat output.
The 9980XE will likely be affordable with the new generation launch, possibly offering improved value after price adjustments.