Core i9-9990XEvsRyzen Threadripper 7980X
The Intel Core i9-9990XE is a niche 14-core server-derived chip for enthusiasts who need stable single-thread performance on an older platform, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a modern 64-core monster aimed at creators and workstation users who need extreme multi-threaded horsepower.
Core i9-9990XE
Skylake (server) · 14 nm · 2019
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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 decisively for almost everyone, offering vastly more cores and much faster performance for demanding workloads.
The Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the smarter pick for budget or value buyers because its far greater core count and speed justify any cost.
The Core i9-9990XE is the right choice if you have an existing X299 platform and need a simple drop-in upgrade without replacing your motherboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-9990XE 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 18 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-9990XE in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X than the Core i9-9990XE?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is roughly 356% faster than the Core i9-9990XE overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-9990XE or the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X. If the Core i9-9990XE 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.