Core i9-10920X vs Ryzen 7 3700X

Intel

Core i9-10920X

12 Cores24 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019
Core family
·······
VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
·······

Core i9-10920X vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 i9-10920X vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 i9-10920X vs Ryzen 7 3700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-10920X

2019

Why buy it

  • +15.4% higher PassMark.
  • 83.3% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.6 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($689 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Costs $360 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $689 MSRP).
  • Delivers 81.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 37.6 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $689 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 25,875).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Core i9-10920X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen 7 3700X is ahead with a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-10920X pulls ahead with 15.4% better PassMark. Ryzen 7 3700X also has the bigger cache pool with 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-10920X is the stronger fit. You are getting 15.4% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $360 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $689 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-10920X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 15.4% better PassMark. It is also 81.5% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 37.6 PassMark/$), 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 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-10920X vs Ryzen 7 3700X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-10920X

The Core i9-10920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 25,875 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Core i9-10920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10920X versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-10920X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-10920X uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10920X scores 25,875 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 14.3% lead for the Core i9-10920X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-10920X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureCore i9-10920XRyzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
12 / 24+50%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+9%
4.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.6 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
32 MB+66%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
25,875+15%
22,430
Cinebench R23 Multi
15,458
Geekbench 6 Single
1,250
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10920X versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10920X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-10920X) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-10920X) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the Core i9-10920X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-10920X) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).

FeatureCore i9-10920XRyzen 7 3700X
Socket
LGA2066
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933
DDR4-3200+9%
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB+100%
128 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
44+83%
24
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-10920X) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). Primary use case: Core i9-10920X targets HEDT/Workstation.

FeatureCore i9-10920XRyzen 7 3700X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
HEDT/Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-10920X was priced at $689, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($689 vs $329), Ryzen 7 3700X was $360 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10920X delivers 37.6 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 57.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-10920XRyzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$689
$329-52%
Performance per Dollar
37.6
68.2+81%
Release Date
2019
2019

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.