Core i9-9990XE vs Ryzen 5 5600X

CPU

GPU

Core i9-9990XE

14 Cores28 Thrd255 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2019

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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Core i9-9990XE vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

Core i9-9990XE

14 / 28

30,162

+38.1%

21,845

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 i9-9990XE vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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.

Core i9-9990XE vs Ryzen 5 5600X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-9990XE

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +25.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅83.3% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.1 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($2,000 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌292.3% higher power demand at 255W vs 65W.

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅+66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $1,701 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
✅Delivers 384.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 15.1 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 255W, a 190W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9990XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,845 vs 30,162).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9990XE better than Ryzen 5 5600X?

Yes. Core i9-9990XE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 25.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 38.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9990XE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 25.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9990XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 38.1% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-9990XE is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 5600X is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-9990XE comes in 568.9% more expensive on MSRP at $2,000 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 5600X is also 384.5% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 15.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 5 5600X can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019) and 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9990XE vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i9-9990XE

The Core i9-9990XE 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 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): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,162 points. Launch price was $2,800.

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-9990XE has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-9990XE (base: 4 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 32% lead for the Core i9-9990XE. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	14 / 28+133%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+11%	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+8%	3.7 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	32 MB+66%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	14 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	30,162+38%	21,845
Geekbench 6 Single	1,392	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,199	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Ryzen 5 5600X
Socket	LGA2066	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+83%	24

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-9990XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9990XE) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX.

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	HEDT	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9990XE was priced at $2000, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($2000 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $1701 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9990XE delivers 15.1 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 131.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$2000	$299-85%
Performance per Dollar	15.1	73.1+384%
Release Date	2019	2020

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