Intel Launches 18-Core Skylake X Core i9-7980XE Processor At Computex Taipei 2017

As expected, Intel launched on Monday at Computex Taipei 2017 in Taiwan the 18-core Skylake X Core i9-7980XE processor. The $1,999 chip, the first 18-core CPU of Intel, just beat the 16-core Threadripper CPU of AMD. With the launch, the new processor is the most powerful consumer processor for 2017.

The Skylake X Core i9-7980XE processor is not a chipset found in an average desktop, Engadget notes. The new chip aims to satisfy the needs of gadget users who are power-hungry. These are those who like to play games n 4K while, at the same time, broadcast the game in HD over Twitch. It is possible because the new chip has more than a teraflop of computing power.

The Skylake X Core i9-7980XE processor came after Intel unveiled in Computex 2016 the 10-core consumer CPU, its first foray into megatasking. For gadget users who do not need 18 cores, they have the choice of other Core i9 Extreme Edition chips. It comes in 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-core variants at much lower prices, beginning at $999 for the 10-core i9-7900X.

Regardless of its number of cores, all i9 chips have base clock speeds of 3.3GHz and could reach up to 4.3GHz dual-core speeds using Turbo Boost 2.0 and 4.5GHZ with Turbo Boost 3.0. Tech Radar adds that after the Skylake X Core i9-7980XE processor, three more chips belonging to the i9 series would follow. These are the 16-core Core i9 7960X, 14-core Core i9 7940X, and the 12-core Core i9 7920X.

The launch of the Skylake X Core i9-7980XE processor is seen as triggering a CPU arms race again between Intel and AMD which would benefit consumers. PCWorld says the events at Computex will force AMD to disclose the 14-, 12-, and 10-core versions of its Threadripper parts and price points too.