Intel Core i9 9960X 16-core LGA 2066
Intel
69 Overall Score
vs
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core Socket TRX4
AMD
78 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i9 9960X 16-core LGA 2066
No customer feedback yet
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core Socket TRX4
85 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews
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
Multi core performance 7
Value for money 4
Overclocking and auto tuning 3
Compatibility issues 2
Use case suitability 5
Cooling and thermal performance 3
Scores
Productivity
Server
Ai Llm
Budget
Gaming
Efficiency
Specifications
| Intel Core i9 9960X | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i9 | Ryzen Threadripper |
| Model | 9960X | 3990X |
| Codename | Skylake X | — |
| Class | desktop | hedt |
| Process | 14★ | — |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 16 | 64★ |
| Threads | ||
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 16 | 32★ |
| L3 Cache | ||
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | No data | |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC | ✗ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 2066 | Socket TRX4 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 88★ |
| TDP | 165★ | 280 |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i9 9960X 16-core LGA 2066
- Strong ai (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong multi thread (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong platform (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong efficiency (75th percentile)
- Below average affordability (18th percentile)18th %ile
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core Socket TRX4
- Strong ai (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong multi thread (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong feature (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong platform (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average affordability (1st percentile)1st %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Winner: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Scores 78 overall, wins 3 of 6 usage categories and 6 of 23 specs.