Core i9-10940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

Intel

Core i9-10940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019
Core family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

16 Cores32 Thrd180 WWMax: 4 GHz2017
Threadripper family
···

Core i9-10940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950X 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 i9-10940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950X 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 i9-10940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-10940X

2019

Why buy it

  • +39.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $215 less on MSRP ($784 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
  • Delivers 28.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.3 vs 27.5 PassMark/$ ($784 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
  • Draws 165W instead of 180W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

2017

Why buy it

  • +66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 48.
  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,040 vs 1,450).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,000 vs 11,000).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.5 vs 35.3 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $784 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10940X better than Ryzen Threadripper 1950X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 1950X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-10940X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-10940X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i9-10940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 22.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-10940X is the better buy right now. Core i9-10940X comes in $215 cheaper on MSRP at $784 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 28.3% better value on MSRP (35.3 vs 27.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-10940X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017), more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 16/32, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-10940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-10940X

The Core i9-10940X 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 27,684 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

The Ryzen Threadripper 1950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 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: 27,487 points. Launch price was $999.

Processing Power

The Core i9-10940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10940X versus 4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10940X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i9-10940X uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10940X scores 27,684 against the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X's 27,487 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-10940X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,450 vs 1,040, a 32.9% lead for the Core i9-10940X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,000 vs 9,000 (20% advantage for the Core i9-10940X). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-10940X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X.

FeatureCore i9-10940XRyzen Threadripper 1950X
Cores / Threads
14 / 28
16 / 32+14%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+20%
4 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.4 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
32 MB+66%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark
27,684
27,487
Cinebench R23 Multi
19,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,450+39%
1,040
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,000+22%
9,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10940X versus DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X — the Core i9-10940X supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 256 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-10940X) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-10940X) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950X).

FeatureCore i9-10940XRyzen Threadripper 1950X
Socket
LGA2066
SP3r2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933+10%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
256 GB
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
48
64+33%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-10940X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10940X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 1950X). Primary use case: Core i9-10940X targets High-End Desktop, Ryzen Threadripper 1950X targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i9-10940XRyzen Threadripper 1950X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
High-End Desktop
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-10940X was priced at $784, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X came in at $999. On launch pricing ($784 vs $999), Core i9-10940X was $215 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10940X delivers 35.3 pts/$ vs 27.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X — making the Core i9-10940X the 24.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-10940XRyzen Threadripper 1950X
MSRP
$784-22%
$999
Performance per Dollar
35.3+28%
27.5
Release Date
2019
2017

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