Microsoft SQ1
VS
Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Microsoft SQ1

8 Cores8 Thrd0 WWMax: 3 GHz2019
VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 7950X3D

16 Cores32 Thrd120 WWMax: 5.7 GHz2023

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1

#865
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1458%
#866
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1436%
#867
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1318%
#868
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1312%
#869
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1300%
#871
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1256%
#872
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1204%
#873
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1202%
#874
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1170%
#877
Microsoft SQ1
MSRP: $300|Avg: $180
100%
#879
Core i5-6440HQ
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
100%
#883
Celeron Dual-Core T1600
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
99%
#884
Athlon II N330
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
99%
#889
Core i7-7820EQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $378
98%
#890
Celeron 7305
MSRP: $128|Avg: $107
98%
#891
E-300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $20
97%
#892
Core i7-7820HK
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7950X3D

#87
Core i5-12490F
MSRP: $250|Avg: $150
106%
#88
Ryzen 5 5600GT
MSRP: $140|Avg: $150
106%
#89
Ryzen 5 PRO 5655G
MSRP: $146|Avg: $146
105%
#90
Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G
MSRP: $300|Avg: $180
105%
#91
Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G
MSRP: $209|Avg: $120
104%
#92
Ryzen 5 8600G
MSRP: $229|Avg: $190
104%
#93
Core i7-13700KF
MSRP: $384|Avg: $350
102%
#94
Ryzen 7 9700X
MSRP: $359|Avg: $285
102%
#95
Ryzen 9 7900
MSRP: $429|Avg: $370
102%
#96
Core Ultra 5 235T
MSRP: $247|Avg: $247
101%
#97
Ryzen 9 5950X
MSRP: $799|Avg: $350
101%
#98
Ryzen 9 7900X3D
MSRP: $599|Avg: $389
101%
#99
Core i5-14400F
MSRP: $196|Avg: $199
101%
#100
Core i5-14400
MSRP: $221|Avg: $197
100%
#101
Core i5-13400
MSRP: $221|Avg: $185
100%
#102
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
MSRP: $699|Avg: $486
100%
#103
Core i5-11600
MSRP: $213|Avg: $140
100%
#104
Ryzen 5 PRO 5650G
MSRP: $259|Avg: $160
100%
#105
Core i9-12900K
MSRP: $589|Avg: $322
100%
#106
Ryzen 7 5800XT
MSRP: $249|Avg: $219
100%
#107
Core i5-10400F
MSRP: $160|Avg: $102
100%
#108
Core i9-12900KF
MSRP: $564|Avg: $320
100%
#109
Ryzen 5 PRO 4650GE
MSRP: $209|Avg: $120
100%
#110
Ryzen 5 4600GE
MSRP: $200|Avg: $125
99%
#111
Core i5-10500T
MSRP: $226|Avg: $80
99%
#112
Core i5-14600
MSRP: $255|Avg: $255
99%
#113
Core i7-14700F
MSRP: $359|Avg: $330
98%
#114
Ryzen 3 PRO 3200G
MSRP: $89|Avg: $52
97%
#115
Core i9-14900K
MSRP: $589|Avg: $469
97%
#116
Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE
MSRP: $146|Avg: $146
97%
#117
Core i7-13790F
MSRP: $392|Avg: $350
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Ryzen 9 7950X3D delivers superior performance across the board. Its 3D V-Cache technology provides a significant advantage in gaming scenarios, while its core configuration delivers 164.7% higher multi-threaded performance.
InsightMicrosoft SQ1Ryzen 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

Efficiency: The Ryzen 9 7950X3D leads not only in performance but also in value. It delivers superior performance at a comparable price point.
InsightMicrosoft SQ1Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+282%)
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($180)
⚠️ Higher cost ($486)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 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.

AMD

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.

FeatureMicrosoft SQ1Ryzen 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.

FeatureMicrosoft SQ1Ryzen 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.

FeatureMicrosoft SQ1Ryzen 9 7950X3D
MSRP
$300-57%
$699
Avg Price (30d)
$180-63%
$486
Performance per Dollar
33.5
128.2+283%
Release Date
2019
2023