Core i9-7940X
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Core i9-7940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 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 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i9-7940X 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 i9-7940X
2017Why buy it
- ✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
- ✅Draws 165W instead of 180W, a 15W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2920X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 38.7 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $649 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
2018Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +27.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
- ✅Costs $750 less on MSRP ($649 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 113.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.7 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($649 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (25,148 vs 25,452).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2920X better than Core i9-7940X?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-7940X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
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 i9-7940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-7940X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-7940X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-7940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7940X scores 25,452 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X's 25,148 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i9-7940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28+17% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+2% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total) | 32 MB+66% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+51100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 12 nm-14% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | ZEN+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 25,452+1% | 25,148 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | SP3r2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-7940X was priced at $1399, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X came in at $649. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $649), Ryzen Threadripper 2920X was $750 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7940X delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 38.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X the 72.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $649-54% |
| Performance per Dollar | 18.2 | 38.7+113% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
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