CPU
GPU
Core i9-11900K
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-11900K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($435) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($452) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (ZEN+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($435) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($452) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-11900K and Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
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
The Core i9-11900K launched at $539 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X debuted at $649. At current prices ($435 vs $452), the Core i9-11900K is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900K delivers 57.4 pts/$ vs 55.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — making the Core i9-11900K the 3.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-11900K | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $539-17% | $649 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $435-4% | $452 |
| Performance per Dollar | 57.4+3% | 55.6 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-11900K and Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
