AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X vs Intel Core i9-7900X Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark record splits cleanly along workload type. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X dominates every Cinebench iteration, both single-core and multi-core, while the Intel Core i9-7900X takes both Geekbench tests. The data shows a consistent pattern: AMD wins six of eight head-to-head tests, Intel wins two.

For multi-threaded rendering, the Threadripper 1920X is the clear leader. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 1979 against Intel's 1782, an 11.1% advantage. That lead repeats in R20 (8248 vs 7425) and R23 (19640 vs 17680), each with the same 11.1% delta. The AMD processor delivers this through 12 cores and 24 threads, two more cores and four more threads than the Intel part.

Single-core Cinebench results also favor AMD, though the margin is narrower in absolute terms. The Threadripper 1920X scores 279 in R15 single-core versus 251 for the i9-7900X, an 11.2% gap. In R20, the scores are 1164 and 1048, an 11.1% difference. R23 shows 2772 against 2496, again 11.1%. This suggests the AMD Zen architecture holds a per-thread advantage in Cinebench's specific workload, despite Intel's higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz versus AMD's 4.00 GHz.

The Intel Core i9-7900X wins decisively in Geekbench. Its multicore score of 8841 beats AMD's 7178 by 18.8%. The single-core result is similarly lopsided: 1437 versus 1185, a 17.5% lead. These are the largest margins in either direction across all eight head-to-head tests. Geekbench exercises a different mix of integer, floating-point, and memory patterns, and here Intel's Skylake-X architecture with its 1 MB L2 cache per core and higher boost clock pulls ahead.

Looking at average benchmark scores, the two processors sit close together. The Threadripper 1920X averages 5306 across all its recorded benchmarks, while the i9-7900X averages 5120. Both land in the 60th percentile against all CPUs in the database. The AMD part edges ahead by about 3.6% in this aggregate metric, but the per-test distribution matters more than the average.

The wins are not subtle. AMD's six victories all cluster around 11% margins, while Intel's two Geekbench wins are closer to 18-19%. This means the choice depends entirely on which benchmark suite reflects the intended workload. Rendering and media creation tools that behave like Cinebench will favor the Threadripper. General-purpose computing tasks that resemble Geekbench will favor the i9-7900X.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split recommendation. Users running Cinebench-style workloads, primarily CPU-based rendering, should choose the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X. It wins all six Cinebench tests, every one by 11.1% or 11.2%. The 12-core, 24-thread configuration with 32 MB of L3 cache provides a consistent edge in this rendering workload.

Users whose tasks align with Geekbench should pick the Intel Core i9-7900X. Its 18.8% multicore and 17.5% single-core advantages are substantial. The 4.50 GHz boost clock and 1 MB L2 cache per core appear to drive this performance. The i9-7900X also carries a lower TDP of 140 watts versus 180 watts for the AMD part, and it uses Intel Socket 2066 rather than AMD Socket SP3r2.

The production status differs notably. The Threadripper 1920X remains active in production, while the Core i9-7900X is marked end-of-life. This could affect availability for new system builds. Both processors launched in 2017, with the Intel part releasing on June 25 and the AMD part on August 9.

Neither chip is a universal winner. The average benchmark scores show the Threadripper at 5306 versus 5120 for Intel, a modest aggregate lead. But the Geekbench results flip the picture entirely for those specific workloads. The verdict must be workload-dependent, not a blanket recommendation.

For creators who render frames or compile code, the Threadripper 1920X delivers 11% more performance in every Cinebench generation tested. For users running diverse desktop applications, the i9-7900X offers up to 18.8% better Geekbench scores. The launch MSRP was $799 for the AMD part and $999 for the Intel part, but the performance differences are what should guide the decision.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results form a remarkably consistent pattern. Across all six Cinebench tests, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X wins by either 11.1% or 11.2%. This uniformity suggests a stable architectural advantage rather than a workload-specific fluke.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Threadripper scores 1979 against 1782 for the i9-7900X. The 11.1% margin reflects AMD's two extra cores and four extra threads. The single-core R15 test shows 279 versus 251, an 11.2% win for AMD, which is notable because Intel has the higher boost clock at 4.50 GHz versus 4.00 GHz.

Cinebench R20 multicore continues the trend: 8248 for AMD, 7425 for Intel, an 11.1% gap. R20 single-core gives 1164 versus 1048, again 11.1%. The R23 multicore result of 19640 against 17680 matches the same 11.1% delta, as does the R23 single-core result of 2772 versus 2496.

The Geekbench results tell a different story. Intel wins multicore with 8841 against AMD's 7178, a 18.8% lead. The single-core test shows 1437 versus 1185, a 17.5% margin. These are the two largest deltas in the entire head-to-head set, and they both favor Intel.

The contrast between benchmark families is stark. Cinebench rewards AMD's higher core count and larger L3 cache (32 MB versus 14 MB). Geekbench appears to reward Intel's higher clocks and larger per-core L2 cache (1 MB versus 512 KB). The Threadripper's 14 nm process from GlobalFoundries and dual 213 mm² dies are balanced against Intel's 14 nm process with no published die size.

Average scores place the Threadripper 1920X at 5306, close to its nearest rivals: the Intel Core i9-9900X at 5301 (0.1% delta), the AMD EPYC 7281 at 5315 (-0.2% delta), the Intel Core i9-10900KF at 5316 (-0.2% delta), and the Intel Core i9-13900TE at 5342 (-0.7% delta). The i9-7900X averages 5120, near the AMD EPYC 7262 at 5109 (0.2% delta), the Intel Core i7-11850HE at 5095 (0.5% delta), the Intel Xeon W-2155 at 5072 (0.9% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE at 5070 (1% delta). Both chips sit in the 60th percentile among all CPUs.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark tests?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X wins six of eight tests, all in Cinebench. The Intel Core i9-7900X wins two tests, both in Geekbench.

Q: What is the largest performance gap in either direction?

A: The Intel Core i9-7900X leads by 18.8% in Geekbench multicore, scoring 8841 versus 7178. Its single-core Geekbench lead is 17.5%, with 1437 against 1185.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core i9-7900X has 10 cores and 20 threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-7900X boosts to 4.50 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X boosts to 4.00 GHz. The base clocks are 3.30 GHz for Intel and 3.50 GHz for AMD.

Q: Are both processors still in production?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X has an active production status. The Intel Core i9-7900X is marked end-of-life.

Q: How do the two chips compare on average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X averages 5306, while the Intel Core i9-7900X averages 5120. Both sit in the 60th percentile against all CPUs in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X uses the Zen architecture, codenamed Zen, from the Ryzen Threadripper (Zen (Whitehaven)) generation. The Intel Core i9-7900X uses Skylake architecture, codenamed Skylake-X, from the Core i9 (X-Series 7th Gen) generation.

Both are built on a 14 nm process, but by different foundries. AMD uses GlobalFoundries, while Intel uses its own fabs. The AMD chip integrates 9,600 million transistors across a dual-die design with each die measuring 213 mm². Intel does not list transistor count or die size in the database.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Threadripper 1920X has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with a 32 MB L3 cache. The i9-7900X has 64 KB of L1 per core and 1 MB of L2 per core, with a 14 MB shared L3. The AMD part has more total L3, while the Intel part has double the L2 per core.

Memory support is identical in configuration: both use DDR4 with a quad-channel memory bus and 85.3 GB/s memory bandwidth. Neither supports ECC memory. Both lack integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.

PCI Express capabilities differ. The AMD Threadripper 1920X provides Gen 3 with 60 lanes from the CPU. The Intel i9-7900X provides Gen 3 with 44 lanes from the CPU. This gives the AMD part more headroom for multi-GPU and NVMe configurations.

Both processors have unlocked multipliers, making them suitable for overclocking. The sockets differ: AMD uses Socket SP3r2, while Intel uses Socket 2066. The AMD part's 180 W TDP exceeds Intel's 140 W TDP, reflecting the higher core count and dual-die design.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X | Intel Core i9-7900X |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 12 | 10 |

| Threads | 24 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 180 W | 140 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket SP3r2 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Zen | Skylake |

| Codename | Zen | Skylake-X |

| Generation | Ryzen Threadripper (Zen (Whitehaven)) | Core i9 (X-Series 7th Gen) |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Transistors | 9,600 million | Not listed |

| Die Size | 2x 213 mm² | Not listed |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 14 MB (shared) |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 60 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 44 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2017-08-09 | 2017-06-25 |

| Launch MSRP | $799 | $999 |

| Part Number | YD192XA8UC9AE | SR3L2 |

The remaining specifications match: both support DDR4, use quad-channel memory with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth, lack ECC and integrated graphics, target the desktop market, and have unlocked multipliers.