Core i9-9960XvsRyzen Threadripper 9960X
The Core i9-9960X is a 16-core workstation CPU for professionals who need solid single-threaded performance in a familiar Intel environment, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is a 24-core monster aimed at heavy multi-threaded workloads and content creators who want maximum core count.
Core i9-9960X
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018
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Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
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 9960X wins overall with far more cores and faster clock speeds for heavy workloads.
For budget buyers, the Core i9-9960X is the smarter pick if you need decent performance without the high power cost.
Choose the Core i9-9960X for a compact workstation where lower heat output is critical.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9960X 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 18 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9960X in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X than the Core i9-9960X?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is roughly 211% faster than the Core i9-9960X overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-9960X or the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. If the Core i9-9960X 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.