CPU
GPU
Ryzen 9 3900XT
Core i9-10980XE
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 Ryzen 9 3900XT
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($390) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse 2 (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+61%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($390) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
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 Ryzen 9 3900XT and Core i9-10980XE
Ryzen 9 3900XT
The Ryzen 9 3900XT is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 32,512 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 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. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3900XT packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-10980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900XT versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-10980XE (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i9-10980XE uses Cascade Lake-X (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900XT scores 32,512 against the Core i9-10980XE's 32,187 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900XT. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,400 vs 24,309 (27.7% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,750 vs 1,242, a 34% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900XT that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,500 vs 16,275 (43.1% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900XT vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 18 / 36+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.8 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+27% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+159% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse 2 (2020) | Cascade Lake-X (2019) |
| PassMark | 32,512+1% | 32,187 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,400 | 24,309+32% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,750+41% | 1,242 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,500 | 16,275+55% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-10980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i9-10980XE supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 4 (Core i9-10980XE). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 48 (Core i9-10980XE) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) and X299 (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 48+100% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs Yes (Core i9-10980XE). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900XT targets Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900XT rivals Core i9-10900K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 3900XT launched at $499 MSRP, while the Core i9-10980XE debuted at $979. At current prices ($390 vs $620), the Ryzen 9 3900XT is $230 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3900XT delivers 83.4 pts/$ vs 51.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-10980XE — making the Ryzen 9 3900XT the 46.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-49% | $979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $390-37% | $620 |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.4+61% | 51.9 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 9 3900XT and Core i9-10980XE
