Core i9-9960X vs EPYC 7282
Core i9-9960X
EPYC 7282
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 i9-9960X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7282
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($199) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($199) |
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 i9-9960X and EPYC 7282
Core i9-9960X
The Core i9-9960X 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22 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: 29,927 points. Launch price was $1,684.
EPYC 7282
The EPYC 7282 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,201 points. Launch price was $650.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-9960X and EPYC 7282 share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X versus 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7282 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-9960X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-9960X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7282 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9960X scores 29,927 against the EPYC 7282's 30,201 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7282. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,650 vs 1,086, a 41.2% lead for the Core i9-9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,700 vs 7,638 (33.4% advantage for the Core i9-9960X). L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X vs 64 MB on the EPYC 7282.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+41% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+11% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB (total) | 64 MB+191% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 8 MB+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 29,927 | 30,201 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 13,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,650+52% | 1,086 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,700+40% | 7,638 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9960X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 7282 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The EPYC 7282 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9960X) vs 8 (EPYC 7282). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9960X) vs 128 (EPYC 7282) — the EPYC 7282 offers 84 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9960X) and SP3,Rome (EPYC 7282).
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 4096 GB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 128+191% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9960X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9960X) vs AMD-V, SEV (EPYC 7282). Primary use case: Core i9-9960X targets HEDT, EPYC 7282 targets Edge Server / Entry Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 7282 rivals Xeon Silver 4216.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, SEV |
| Target Use | HEDT | Edge Server / Entry Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9960X launched at $1684 MSRP, while the EPYC 7282 debuted at $650. At current prices ($200 vs $199), the EPYC 7282 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9960X delivers 149.6 pts/$ vs 151.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7282 — making the EPYC 7282 the 1.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | EPYC 7282 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1684 | $650-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | $199 |
| Performance per Dollar | 149.6 | 151.8+1% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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