Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 9 5900X

Intel

Core i7-1160G7

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020
VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020

Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 9 5900X Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 9 5900X FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-1160G7

2020

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $123 less on MSRP ($426 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 15W instead of 105W, a 90W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Ryzen 9 5900X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (8,720 vs 38,955).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 64 MB).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +95.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).
  • βœ…Delivers 246.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • βœ…500% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌
    28.9% HIGHER MSRP
    $549 MSRPvs$426 MSRP
  • ❌600% higher power demand at 105W vs 15W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1160G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Core i7-1160G7?
Yes. Ryzen 9 5900X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 95.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 346.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 5900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 95.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 5900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 346.7% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 5900X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 9 5900X comes in 28.9% more expensive on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 95.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 246.6% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 9 5900X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 9 5900X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-1160G7

The Core i7-1160G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020βˆ’2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,720 points. Launch price was $426.

AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020βˆ’2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-1160G7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads β€” the Ryzen 9 5900X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-1160G7 versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X β€” a 8.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-1160G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020βˆ’2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020βˆ’2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1160G7 scores 8,720 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 β€” a 126.8% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 1,758 vs 2,174, a 21.2% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1160G7 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.

FeatureCore i7-1160G7Ryzen 9 5900X
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
12 / 24+200%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
3.7 GHz+208%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
64 MB+433%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+40860%
Process
10 nm SuperFin
7 nm, 12 nm-30%
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020βˆ’2021)
Vermeer (Zen3) (2020βˆ’2022)
PassMark
8,720
38,955+347%
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
21,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,758
2,174+24%
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
11,888
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1160G7 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1160G7 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X β€” the Core i7-1160G7 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB β€” 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i7-1160G7) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) β€” the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Tiger Lake-UP3 (Core i7-1160G7) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).

FeatureCore i7-1160G7Ryzen 9 5900X
Socket
FCBGA1598
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR4x-4267+33%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
4
24+500%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-1160G7 supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1160G7) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i7-1160G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1160G7 targets Premium Ultrabook/Tablet, Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-1160G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4800U; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.

FeatureCore i7-1160G7Ryzen 9 5900X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
β€”
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Premium Ultrabook/Tablet
Workstation
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-1160G7 was priced at $426, while the Ryzen 9 5900X came in at $549. On launch pricing ($426 vs $549), Core i7-1160G7 was $123 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-1160G7 delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 71.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X β€” making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 110.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-1160G7Ryzen 9 5900X
MSRP
$426-22%
$549
Performance per Dollar
20.5
71.0+246%
Release Date
2020
2020

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