Core i9-9920X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

Core i9-9920X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X Performance Spectrum

Core i9-9920X

12 / 24

24,974

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

12 / 24

25,148

+0.7%

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 i9-9920X 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 i9-9920X 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 i9-9920X

2018

Why buy it

✅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.
❌Lower PassMark (24,974 vs 25,148).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.0 vs 38.7 PassMark/$ ($1,189 MSRP vs $649 MSRP).

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $540 less on MSRP ($649 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 84.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.7 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($649 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2920X better than Core i9-9920X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2920X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9920X 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 14.1% 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 2920X comes in $540 cheaper on MSRP at $649 MSRP versus $1,189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 84.5% better value on MSRP (38.7 vs 21.0 PassMark/$), 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 Threadripper 2920X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9920X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2920X Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9920X

The Core i9-9920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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: 24,974 points. Launch price was $1,189.

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

Both the Core i9-9920X and Ryzen Threadripper 2920X share an identical 12-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9920X versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9920X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9920X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9920X scores 24,974 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X's 25,148 — a 0.7% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9920X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	12 / 24
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+5%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
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	24,974	25,148

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9920X 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 i9-9920X	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Socket	LGA2066	SP3r2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9920X was priced at $1189, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X came in at $649. On launch pricing ($1189 vs $649), Ryzen Threadripper 2920X was $540 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9920X delivers 21.0 pts/$ vs 38.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X the 59.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
MSRP	$1189	$649-45%
Performance per Dollar	21.0	38.7+84%
Release Date	2018	2018

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