Core i9-9960X
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Core i9-9960X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2950X 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 i9-9960X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2950X 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 i9-9960X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2950X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i9-9960X
2018Why buy it
- ✅+21.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
- ✅Draws 165W instead of 180W, a 15W reduction.
- ✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2950X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (22 MB vs 32 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2950X, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 32.8 PassMark/$ ($1,684 MSRP vs $899 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
2018Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +18.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+45.5% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 22 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 44.
- ✅Costs $785 less on MSRP ($899 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 84.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.8 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($899 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (8,814 vs 10,700).
- ❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i9-9960X better than Ryzen Threadripper 2950X?
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 i9-9960X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2950X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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 Threadripper 2950X
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 29,462 points. Launch price was $899.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-9960X and Ryzen Threadripper 2950X share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9960X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9960X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9960X scores 29,927 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X's 29,462 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i9-9960X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,650 vs 1,255, a 27.2% lead for the Core i9-9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,700 vs 8,814 (19.3% advantage for the Core i9-9960X). L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB (total) | 32 MB+45% |
| 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 | 29,927+2% | 29,462 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,444 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,650+31% | 1,255 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,700+21% | 8,814 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9960X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9960X versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9960X) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9960X) and Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X).
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2933+10% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 64+45% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. 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 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X). Primary use case: Core i9-9960X targets HEDT.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | HEDT | — |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-9960X was priced at $1684, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X came in at $899. On launch pricing ($1684 vs $899), Ryzen Threadripper 2950X was $785 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9960X delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 32.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X the 59.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9960X | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1684 | $899-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.8 | 32.8+84% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
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