Core i9-11900K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

Core i9-11900K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X Performance Spectrum

Core i9-11900K

8 / 16

24,990

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

12 / 24

25,148

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 i9-11900K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 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 i9-11900K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-11900K

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $110 less on MSRP ($539 MSRP vs $649 MSRP).
✅Delivers 19.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.4 vs 38.7 PassMark/$ ($539 MSRP vs $649 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 180W, a 55W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2920X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (24,990 vs 25,148).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2920X, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 38.7 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($649 MSRP vs $539 MSRP).
❌44% higher power demand at 180W vs 125W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2920X better than Core i9-11900K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2920X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900K 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 2920X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.4% 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 Threadripper 2920X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i9-11900K is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper 2920X comes in 20.4% more expensive on MSRP at $649 MSRP versus $539 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-11900K is also 19.7% better value on MSRP (46.4 vs 38.7 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-11900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11900K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11900K

The Core i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

The Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: SP3r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 25,148 points. Launch price was $649.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-11900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-11900K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900K scores 24,990 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X's 25,148 — a 0.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X.

Feature	Core i9-11900K	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+21%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	32 MB+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	512K (per core)
Process	14 nm	12 nm-14%
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	ZEN+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	24,990	25,148

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i9-11900K	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Socket	LGA1200	SP3r2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-11900K was priced at $539, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X came in at $649. On launch pricing ($539 vs $649), Core i9-11900K was $110 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900K delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 38.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — making the Core i9-11900K the 17.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-11900K	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
MSRP	$539-17%	$649
Performance per Dollar	46.4+20%	38.7
Release Date	2021	2018

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