AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-core AM5
Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-core AM5
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is widely praised as a top-tier CPU for gaming and productivity, with users noting exceptional performance, cool operation, and smooth multitasking. However, some users reported quality control issues requiring RMAs, and one user faced compatibility problems with Universal Audio interfaces. Overall, it's considered a beast of a processor, though the high price and occasional heat under heavy loads are noted.
Pros
- Exceptional gaming performance
- Cool operation
- Great for productivity and multitasking
- Fast rendering in After Effects
- Smooth 1440p gaming
Cons
- High price
- Quality control issues (RMA needed)
- Compatibility issues with Universal Audio
- Runs hot under heavy load
- Availability issues (bundled with unwanted items)
Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
The Intel Core i9-9940X delivers outstanding performance for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming. Users rave about its speed, ample PCIe lanes, and quad-channel memory support. However, a few verified buyers received faulty units or were disappointed by the lack of Meltdown fix in silicon, and the high price draws some criticism. Overall, it's a powerhouse for professional creative work, but reliability and value are concerns.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-core performance
- Fast 4K video rendering
- Ample PCIe lanes (44)
- Quad-channel memory support
- Low temperatures under load
Cons
- High price
- Risk of DOA units
- Meltdown vulnerability not fixed
- Potential BIOS compatibility issues
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Intel Core i9 9940X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 9 | Core i9 |
| Model | 9950X3D | 9940X |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Skylake |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 14 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 16★ | 14 |
| P-cores | 16★ | — |
| Threads | 32★ | 28 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 16★ | 14 |
| L3 Cache | ||
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 4★ |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | ✓★ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | — |
| TDP | 170 | 165★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 230★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon | — |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong single thread (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong multi thread (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong ai (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average affordability (15th percentile)15th %ile
Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
- Strong ai (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong multi thread (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong platform (78th percentile)
- Strong single thread (74th percentile)
- Below average affordability (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (11th percentile)11th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-core AM5
Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 27 specs.