Core i9-7940X vs Ryzen 5 8600G

Intel

Core i9-7940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 8600G

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 5 GHz2024
Ryzen family
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Core i9-7940X vs Ryzen 5 8600G 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 i9-7940X vs Ryzen 5 8600G 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 i9-7940X vs Ryzen 5 8600G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-7940X

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.
  • +20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 8600G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 110.3 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).
  • 153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Ryzen 5 8600G moves to AM5 and DDR5.

Ryzen 5 8600G

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +29.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,170 less on MSRP ($229 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
  • Delivers 506.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 110.3 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($229 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
  • Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (25,248 vs 25,452).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 8600G better than Core i9-7940X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen 5 8600G is ahead with a 29.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7940X pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark. Core i9-7940X also has the bigger cache pool with 20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 8600G is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 8600G comes in $1,170 cheaper on MSRP at $229 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 29.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-7940X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 506.0% better value on MSRP (110.3 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), 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 5 8600G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2017) and a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-7940X vs Ryzen 5 8600G Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-7940X

The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.

AMD

Ryzen 5 8600G

The Ryzen 5 8600G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Phoenix (2023−2024) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,248 points. Launch price was $229.

Processing Power

The Core i9-7940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen 5 8600G offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-7940X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen 5 8600G — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 8600G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The Core i9-7940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 8600G uses Phoenix (2023−2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7940X scores 25,452 against the Ryzen 5 8600G's 25,248 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-7940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 8600G.

FeatureCore i9-7940XRyzen 5 8600G
Cores / Threads
14 / 28+133%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
5 GHz+14%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
4.3 GHz+39%
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)+20%
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
4 nm-71%
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Phoenix (2023−2024)
PassMark
25,452
25,248
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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 8600G uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i9-7940XRyzen 5 8600G
Socket
LGA2066
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-7940X was priced at $1399, while the Ryzen 5 8600G came in at $229. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $229), Ryzen 5 8600G was $1170 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7940X delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 110.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 8600G — making the Ryzen 5 8600G the 143.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-7940XRyzen 5 8600G
MSRP
$1399
$229-84%
Performance per Dollar
18.2
110.3+506%
Release Date
2017
2024

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