
Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Microsoft SQ1
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. The Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank #877 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+282%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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.

Counter-Strike 2

Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft SQ1 and Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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 Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — a 62.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Ryzen 9 7950X3D's 62,323 — a 164.7% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 16 / 32+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 5.7 GHz+90% |
| Base Clock | — | 4.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 128 MB (total)+6300% |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 62,323+932% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 38,581 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,926 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 19,643 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / true (Ryzen 9 7950X3D). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X3D rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D debuted at $699. At current prices ($180 vs $486), the Microsoft SQ1 is $306 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 128.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — making the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the 117.1% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-57% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180-63% | $486 |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 128.2+283% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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