CPU Showdown

Core i7-9800XvsRyzen Threadripper 9960X

The Core i7-9800X is an older, lower-core-count desktop CPU for anyone who just needs basic workstation performance, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is a modern high-core-count monster built for heavy multitasking and professional workloads.

Intel Core i7-9800X
8C / 16T · 165W
VS
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
24C / 48T · 350W
Intel

Core i7-9800X

Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018

11score
3.3/ 5
0 votes
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
TDP
165W
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
L3 Cache
16.5 MB

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AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025

56score
4.9/ 5
0 votes
Cores / Threads
24 / 48
TDP
350W
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz
L3 Cache
128 MB

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Aggregate Performance

Overall Performance Score

A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.

Core i7-9800X
11
Ryzen Threadripper 9960XWinner
56
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X leads by 409.1% in aggregate performance.
Where they rank overall
#5Ryzen Threadripper 7970X60
#6Ryzen Threadripper 9960X56
#7Ryzen Threadripper 7960X50
#244Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U11
#245Core i7-9800X11
#246Ryzen 5 3600X11
Technical Specifications

Side-by-Side Specs

Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.

SpecsCore i7-9800XRyzen Threadripper 9960X
Cores
Total Cores824
Threads1648
Base Clock3.8 GHz4.2 GHz
Boost Clock4.5 GHz5.3 GHz
Cache
L2 Cache8 MB24 MB
L3 Cache16.5 MB128 MB
Platform
PCIePCIe 3.0PCIe 5.0
Power
Base TDP165W350W
General
Process14 nm4 nm
Verdict

Which should you buy?

Winner overall

The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X wins decisively with far more cores and faster boost speeds for heavy workloads.

Best value

For budget-minded buyers, the Core i7-9800X is the smarter pick if you only need basic multi-threading.

When the other wins

Choose the Core i7-9800X when building a modest workstation that won't stress high-power cooling or power supplies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the Core i7-9800X better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?

Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (56 vs 11 out of 100), so it leads the Core i7-9800X in most workloads.

How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X than the Core i7-9800X?

Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is roughly 409% 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 9960X?

If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. 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.