AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core sTRX4
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core sTRX4
The AMD Threadripper 3990X is overwhelmingly loved by power users who need high multi-core performance for tasks like 3D rendering, simulation, and software development. However, a few reviews note limitations such as RAM compatibility issues and the lack of optimization for typical consumer applications. Verified purchasers highlight its incredible speed and value per core compared to Intel alternatives, but caution that it's overkill for gaming or casual use.
Pros
- insane multi-core performance
- great value per core compared to Intel
- built-in Precision Boost Overdrive for safe overclocking
- efficient auto-tuning by motherboard
- excellent for 3D rendering and simulations
Cons
- RAM compatibility issues with ECC RDIMMs
- requires BIOS update for Linux installation
- not optimized for typical consumer applications
- limited to 256GB RAM on 4 channels
- very high absolute price
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is overwhelmingly praised for its raw performance, especially in 4K gaming and heavy multitasking, with users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. It runs cool with proper cooling solutions, and its efficiency and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are highlighted as major advantages. Some mention that it may not beat AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming, but it excels at 4K and productivity. A few note the lack of a cooler and tray packaging as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent 4K gaming performance
- Strong multitasking and productivity
- Runs cool with proper cooling
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Power efficient (125W TDP)
Cons
- No cooler included
- Tray packaging (no retail box)
- May lag AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming
- Requires BIOS adjustments for best performance
- Premium price
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen Threadripper | Core Ultra 9 |
| Model | 3990X | 285K |
| Codename | — | Arrow Lake-S |
| Class | hedt | desktop |
| Process | — | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 64★ | 24 |
| P-cores | — | 8★ |
| E-cores | — | 16★ |
| Threads | ||
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 32 | 40★ |
| L3 Cache | ||
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | No data | |
| Channels | 4★ | 2 |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | — | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | Socket TRX4 | LGA 1851 |
| PCIe | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 88★ | 24 |
| TDP | 280 | 125★ |
| Max Turbo Power | — | 250★ |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | — | Intel Graphics |
| NPU TOPS | — | 13★ |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core sTRX4
- Strong ai (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong multi thread (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong feature (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong platform (86th percentile)86th %ile
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
- Strong feature (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong efficiency (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851 offers 12.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 14 of 29 specs.