Ryzen 9 3950X vs i9-9990XE

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Aggregate performance score

Core i9-9990XE
2019
14 cores / 28 threads, 255 Watt
19.50
Ryzen 9 3950X
2019
16 cores / 32 threads, 105 Watt
25.06
+28.5%

Ryzen 9 3950X outperforms i9-9990XE by a significant 29% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in performance ranking286188
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluationno data18.28
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesIntel Core i9AMD Ryzen 9
Architecture codenameSkylake (server) (2017−2019)Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
Release date3 January 2019 (5 years ago)11 June 2019 (5 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)no data$799

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores14 (Tetradeca-Core)16 (Hexadeca-Core)
Threads2832
Base clock speed4 GHz3.5 GHz
Boost clock speed4 GHz4.7 GHz
Bus typeDMI 3.0no data
Bus rate4 × 8 GT/sno data
Multiplier40no data
L1 cache896 KB1 MB
L2 cache14 MB8 MB
L3 cache19.25 MB (shared)64 MB
Chip lithography14 nm7 nm, 12 nm
Die sizeno data2 x 72 mm + 125 mm (IO-Die) mm2
Number of transistorsno data19,200 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility-+
Unlocked multiplier++

Compatibility

Information on Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration1 (Uniprocessor)1 (Uniprocessor)
Socket2066AM4 (1331)
Power consumption (TDP)255 Watt105 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsno data86x MMX(+), SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4A,-64, AMD-V, AES, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, Precision Boost 2
AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)+no data
TSX+-
Precision Boost 2no data+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X are enumerated here.

AMD-V-+
VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4 Quad-channelDDR4 Dual-channel
Maximum memory size128 GB128 GB
Max memory channels4no data
Maximum memory bandwidth85.33 GB/s51.196 GB/s
ECC memory support-+

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardN/A-

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X.

PCIe version3.0no data
PCI Express lanes44no data

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i9-9990XE 19.50
Ryzen 9 3950X 25.06
+28.5%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i9-9990XE 30162
Ryzen 9 3950X 38760
+28.5%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 19.50 25.06
Recency 3 January 2019 11 June 2019
Physical cores 14 16
Threads 28 32
Chip lithography 14 nm 7 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 255 Watt 105 Watt

Ryzen 9 3950X has a 28.5% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 5 months, 14.3% more physical cores and 14.3% more threads, a 100% more advanced lithography process, and 142.9% lower power consumption.

The Ryzen 9 3950X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i9-9990XE in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i9-9990XE and Ryzen 9 3950X, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i9-9990XE
Core i9-9990XE
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
Ryzen 9 3950X

Similar processor comparisons

We picked several similar comparisons of processors in the same market segment and performance relatively close to those reviewed on this page.

Community ratings

Here you can see how users rate the processors, as well as rate them yourself.


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Questions & comments

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