Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX

64 Cores128 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2020
Threadripper Pro family
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Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX 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 PRO 3995WX 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 PRO 3995WX: 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

  • Costs $5,104 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $5,489 MSRP).
  • Delivers 146.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $5,489 MSRP).
  • Draws 95W instead of 280W, a 185W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • No 3D V-Cache or similar L3 advantage, which matters in CPU-limited gaming (12 MB vs 256 MB).
  • Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 83,235).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX

2020

Why buy it

  • Massive L3 cache advantage with 256 MB vs 12 MB, which is a real win in CPU-limited gaming.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • 700% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.2 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($5,489 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • 194.7% higher power demand at 280W vs 95W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX better than Core i7-9700K?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 256 MB versus 12 MB.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 478.1% better PassMark, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 2033.3% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX is still the much better call for a fresh build. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX comes in 1325.7% more expensive on MSRP at $5,489 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 146.6% better value on paper (37.4 vs 15.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018), 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 12 MB, and more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 8/8. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

Core i7-9700K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX 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 (2018−2019) 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 PRO 3995WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 83,235 points. Launch price was $5,500.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX has 56 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX's 83,235 — a 141% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
64 / 128+700%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+17%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+33%
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
256 MB+2033%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
14,397
83,235+478%
Cinebench R23 Multi
64,355
Geekbench 6 Single
1,266
Geekbench 6 Multi
20,256
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX offers 112 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX).

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
Socket
LGA1151
sWRX8
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
128+700%
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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX rivals Xeon Platinum 8280.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX came in at $5489. On launch pricing ($385 vs $5489), Core i7-9700K was $5104 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 15.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX — making the Core i7-9700K the 84.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KRyzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
MSRP
$385-93%
$5489
Performance per Dollar
37.4+146%
15.2
Release Date
2018
2020

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