Core i9-9940X vs Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Core i9-9940X
Popular choices:
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
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 i9-9940X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) | ✅ More affordable ($486) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+288%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) | ✅ More affordable ($486) |
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 i9-9940X and Ryzen 9 7950X3D
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 9 7950X3D
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,323 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (base: 3.3 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i9-9940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the Ryzen 9 7950X3D's 62,323 — a 75.7% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.7 GHz+27% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz+27% |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+565% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 28,088 | 62,323+122% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 38,581 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,926 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 19,643 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9940X) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 7950X3D). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9940X) vs 28 (Ryzen 9 7950X3D) — the Core i9-9940X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+57% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9940X) vs true (Ryzen 9 7950X3D). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X3D rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9940X launched at $1387 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D debuted at $699. At current prices ($850 vs $486), the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is $364 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 33.0 pts/$ vs 128.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — making the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the 118% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9940X | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1387 | $699-50% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $850 | $486-43% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.0 | 128.2+288% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2023 |
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