Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
What Buyers Say
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
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i9 9940X | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i9 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 9940X | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Skylake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 14 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 14★ | 8 |
| P-cores | — | 8★ |
| Threads | 28★ | 16 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 14★ | 8 |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 | 96★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 4★ | 2 |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | — | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA2066 | AM5 |
| PCIe | — | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 28★ |
| TDP | 165 | 120★ |
| Max Turbo Power | — | 200★ |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | — | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i9 9940X 14-core LGA2066
- Strong ai (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong multi thread (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong platform (77th percentile)
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (12th percentile)12th %ile
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 14 of 27 specs.