Core i9-11900KvsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Core i9-11900K is a compact, high-frequency gaming and general-use chip, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a workstation monster built for pro creators and heavy multi-tasking.
Core i9-11900K
Rocket Lake · 14 nm · 2021
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Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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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 9980X wins overall for its vastly higher multi-core performance and double the cores, leaving the Core i9-11900K far behind in heavy workloads.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i9-11900K is the smarter pick if you only need fast single-core speed for gaming or light tasks.
The weaker Core i9-11900K is the right choice for a compact gaming PC where high multi-core power isn't needed and lower heat matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-11900K better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (86 vs 15 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-11900K in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Core i9-11900K?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 473% faster than the Core i9-11900K overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-11900K or the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. If the Core i9-11900K 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.