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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +89.0% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Delivers 12.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 63.3 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
119.6% HIGHER MSRP
$549 MSRPvs$250 MSRP
❌600% higher power demand at 105W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen Embedded V2718 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen Embedded V2718

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $299 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 105W, a 90W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Vega 7, while Ryzen 9 5900X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (654 vs 21,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 63.3 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Ryzen Embedded V2718

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +89.0% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Delivers 12.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 63.3 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Why buy it

✅Costs $299 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 105W, a 90W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Vega 7, while Ryzen 9 5900X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
119.6% HIGHER MSRP
$549 MSRPvs$250 MSRP
❌600% higher power demand at 105W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen Embedded V2718 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (654 vs 21,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 63.3 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Ryzen Embedded V2718?

Yes. Ryzen 9 5900X is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 89.0% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3111% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 146.1% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 5900X is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 89.0% more average FPS across 4 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 5900X is the better fit. You are getting 3111% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Ryzen 9 5900X is the smarter buy today. Ryzen 9 5900X is 119.6% more expensive on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it gives you a 89.0% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 12.1% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 63.3 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

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

Ryzen 9 5900X is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 700% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 8 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom should age better as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Games Benchmarks

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.

Ryzen 9 5900X Benchmark Check

Ryzen Embedded V2718 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
1080p
low	323 FPS	179 FPS
medium	291 FPS	146 FPS
high	243 FPS	121 FPS
ultra	193 FPS	94 FPS
1440p
low	307 FPS	150 FPS
medium	248 FPS	121 FPS
high	192 FPS	98 FPS
ultra	157 FPS	75 FPS
4K
low	193 FPS	68 FPS
medium	156 FPS	58 FPS
high	115 FPS	46 FPS
ultra	103 FPS	36 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Embedded V2718

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
1080p
low	772 FPS	191 FPS
medium	647 FPS	167 FPS
high	508 FPS	153 FPS
ultra	450 FPS	134 FPS
1440p
low	619 FPS	166 FPS
medium	536 FPS	149 FPS
high	443 FPS	139 FPS
ultra	364 FPS	119 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	135 FPS
medium	318 FPS	126 FPS
high	289 FPS	118 FPS
ultra	255 FPS	104 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Embedded V2718

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
1080p
low	832 FPS	396 FPS
medium	645 FPS	396 FPS
high	558 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	459 FPS	396 FPS
1440p
low	721 FPS	396 FPS
medium	565 FPS	396 FPS
high	488 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	407 FPS	396 FPS
4K
low	511 FPS	396 FPS
medium	421 FPS	367 FPS
high	374 FPS	330 FPS
ultra	308 FPS	267 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Embedded V2718

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
1080p
low	974 FPS	396 FPS
medium	974 FPS	396 FPS
high	934 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	826 FPS	396 FPS
1440p
low	959 FPS	396 FPS
medium	843 FPS	396 FPS
high	726 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	617 FPS	396 FPS
4K
low	694 FPS	396 FPS
medium	621 FPS	396 FPS
high	541 FPS	385 FPS
ultra	437 FPS	324 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Embedded V2718

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen Embedded V2718

Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 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: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.

Ryzen Embedded V2718

The Ryzen Embedded V2718 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Renoir (2020−2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.15 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 15,831 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 5900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Embedded V2718 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus 4.15 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded V2718 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Embedded V2718 uses Renoir (2020−2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900X scores 38,955 against the Ryzen Embedded V2718's 15,831 — a 84.4% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 654 (187.9% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,174 vs 1,124, a 63.7% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,888 vs 4,551 (89.3% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X vs 8 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded V2718.

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+50%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz+16%	4.15 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+118%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	64 MB+700%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512K (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	7 nm
Architecture	Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022)	Renoir (2020−2023)
PassMark	38,955+146%	15,831
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,000+3111%	654
Geekbench 6 Single	2,174+93%	1,124
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,888+161%	4,551

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Embedded V2718 uses FP6 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus DDR4 3200 MHz on the Ryzen Embedded V2718 — the Ryzen Embedded V2718 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 20 (Ryzen Embedded V2718) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X) and SoC (Ryzen Embedded V2718).

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
Socket	AM4	FP6
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR4 3200 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24+20%	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs true (Ryzen Embedded V2718). The Ryzen Embedded V2718 includes integrated graphics (Radeon Vega 7), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation, Ryzen Embedded V2718 targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Embedded V2718
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Radeon Vega 7
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Workstation	Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 9 5900X launched at $549 MSRP, while the Ryzen Embedded V2718 debuted at $250. On MSRP ($549 vs $250), the Ryzen Embedded V2718 is $299 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 71.0 pts/$ vs 63.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen Embedded V2718 — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 11.4% better value option.