Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

12 Cores24 Thrd180 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2017

Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 1920X 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 i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 1920X 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 i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 1920X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $414 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $799 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 29.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 29.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $799 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 95W instead of 180W, a 85W reduction.
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Ryzen Threadripper 1920X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 23,150).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 1920X, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.

Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

2017

Why buy it

  • βœ…+60.8% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…+166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($799 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • ❌89.5% higher power demand at 180W vs 95W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Ryzen Threadripper 1920X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 1920X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 1920X is the stronger fit. You are getting 60.8% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in $414 cheaper on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $799 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 1920X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 60.8% better PassMark. It is also 29.1% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 29.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 1920X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

The Ryzen Threadripper 1920X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017βˆ’2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 23,150 points. Launch price was $799.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X offers 12 cores / 24 threads β€” the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X β€” a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X uses Zen (2017βˆ’2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X's 23,150 β€” a 46.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper 1920X
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+17%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+3%
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
32 MB+167%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019)
Zen (2017βˆ’2020)
PassMark
14,397
23,150+61%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper 1920X
Socket
LGA1151
SP3r2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
β€”
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
β€”
RAM Channels
2
β€”
ECC Support
No
β€”
PCIe Lanes
16
β€”
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (Ryzen Threadripper 1920X). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper 1920X
Integrated GPU
Yes
β€”
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
β€”
Unlocked
Yes
β€”
AVX-512
No
β€”
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
β€”
Target Use
Desktop
β€”
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X came in at $799. On launch pricing ($385 vs $799), Core i7-9700K was $414 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 29.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X β€” making the Core i7-9700K the 25.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper 1920X
MSRP
$385-52%
$799
Performance per Dollar
37.4+29%
29.0
Release Date
2018
2017

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