Core i9-9960XvsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Core i9-9960X is a 16-core desktop CPU for mainstream enthusiasts, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a 64-core workstation monster aimed at professionals who need massive parallel processing.
Core i9-9960X
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2018
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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 decisively for anyone needing extreme multi-core performance against the Core i9-9960X.
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the smarter pick for budget/value buyers, offering far more cores and cache for similar cost.
The Core i9-9960X is the right choice for a workstation with strict power and cooling limits where lower heat output matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9960X 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 18 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9960X in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Core i9-9960X?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 378% 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 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. 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.