Core i9-9900KvsRyzen Threadripper 7980X
The Core i9-9900K is a classic high-end gaming CPU for enthusiasts who want top single-core speed, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a workstation monster for creators and professionals who need massive multi-core power.
Core i9-9900K
Coffee Lake-R · 14 nm · 2018
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Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
Storm Peak · 5 nm · 2023
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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 7980X wins overall with far more cores and memory for heavy workloads, while the Core i9-9900K is a relic for light gaming.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i9-9900K is the smarter pick if you find it cheap for older motherboards and basic tasks.
The Core i9-9900K is the right choice for a low-cost retro gaming PC where you don't need the Threadripper's extreme multi-core power.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9900K better than the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (82 vs 11 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9900K in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X than the Core i9-9900K?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is roughly 646% faster than the Core i9-9900K overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-9900K or the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X. If the Core i9-9900K 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.