Core i9-9960X vs Ryzen AI 9 365
Core i9-9960X
Ryzen AI 9 365
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 Ryzen AI 9 365
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+98%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 Ryzen AI 9 365
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.
Ryzen AI 9 365
The Ryzen AI 9 365 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Julho 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Strix Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 30,187 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9960X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen AI 9 365 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-9960X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI 9 365 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI 9 365 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i9-9960X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen AI 9 365 uses Strix Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9960X scores 29,927 against the Ryzen AI 9 365's 30,187 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen AI 9 365. L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X vs 24 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI 9 365.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+60% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+55% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB (total) | 24 MB (total)+9% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Strix Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 29,927 | 30,187 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,650 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9960X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen AI 9 365 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9960X versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen AI 9 365 — the Ryzen AI 9 365 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9960X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9960X) vs 2 (Ryzen AI 9 365). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9960X) vs 20 (Ryzen AI 9 365) — the Core i9-9960X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9960X 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 i9-9960X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen AI 9 365). The Ryzen AI 9 365 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 880M), while the Core i9-9960X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9960X targets HEDT, Ryzen AI 9 365 targets Mobile AI.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon 880M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | HEDT | Mobile AI |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9960X launched at $1684 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI 9 365 debuted at $400. At current prices ($200 vs $400), the Core i9-9960X is $200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9960X delivers 149.6 pts/$ vs 75.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI 9 365 — making the Core i9-9960X the 65.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen AI 9 365 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1684 | $400-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-50% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 149.6+98% | 75.5 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2024 |
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