Core i9-9940X
Ryzen 7 260
Core i9-9940X vs Ryzen 7 260 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 i9-9940X vs Ryzen 7 260 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 i9-9940X vs Ryzen 7 260: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i9-9940X
2018Why buy it
- ✅+20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).
- ✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 260 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (28,088 vs 28,339).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 142.4 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
- ❌266.7% higher power demand at 165W vs 45W.
- ❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 260 moves to FP8 and DDR5.
Ryzen 7 260
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +20.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $1,188 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 603.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 142.4 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 45W instead of 165W, a 120W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on FP8 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 7 260 better than Core i9-9940X?
Which one is better for gaming?
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 i9-9940X vs Ryzen 7 260 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core i9-9940X
The Core i9-9940X 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.
Ryzen 7 260
The Ryzen 7 260 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen 7 260 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9940X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 260 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 260 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i9-9940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses Hawk Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the Ryzen 7 260's 28,339 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen 7 260. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 260.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28+75% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| 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) | Hawk Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 28,088 | 28,339 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 7 260 — the Ryzen 7 260 supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9940X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9940X) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 260). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9940X) vs 20 (Ryzen 7 260) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5600+110% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | No | No |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9940X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 260). The Ryzen 7 260 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation, Ryzen 7 260 targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation | Mobile |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-9940X was priced at $1387, while the Ryzen 7 260 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($1387 vs $199), Ryzen 7 260 was $1188 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 20.3 pts/$ vs 142.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 260 — making the Ryzen 7 260 the 150.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1387 | $199-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.3 | 142.4+601% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2025 |
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