Core i7-9800XvsRyzen Threadripper 7970X
The Core i7-9800X is an older, lower-core-count workstation chip for folks who need a reliable Intel setup on a tight budget, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is a modern, high-core-count monster for professionals who want to crush heavy multitasking and rendering.
Core i7-9800X
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
Storm Peak · 5 nm · 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 7970X wins overall for its massive multi-core lead and much newer architecture.
The Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is the smarter pick for budget/value buyers, offering far more cores and performance per dollar.
The Core i7-9800X is the right choice if you need a lower-power CPU for a legacy workstation that already uses an LGA2066 board.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i7-9800X better than the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (60 vs 11 out of 100), so it leads the Core i7-9800X in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X than the Core i7-9800X?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is roughly 446% faster than the Core i7-9800X overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i7-9800X or the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. If the Core i7-9800X is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.