AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Intel Core 3 305 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data for this comparison is asymmetric. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no individual benchmark scores in the database, while the Intel Core 3 305 has a full suite of Cinebench and PassMark results. Consequently, the head-to-head benchmark section relies on the Intel part's measured scores and the architectural specifications of the AMD part to establish the expected performance gap.

The Intel Core 3 305 delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 13,123 points and a single-core score of 1,852 points. In Cinebench R20, it scores 5,511 multi-core and 777 single-core. The older Cinebench R15 test yields 1,322 multi-core and 186 single-core. These figures place the Core 3 305 at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 18,302.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X, by contrast, carries no recorded benchmark scores in the database. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and its percentile rank is 50. This means that the database currently has no direct measurement of the Threadripper's performance. The analysis must therefore be built around the Core 3 305's measured results and the Threadripper's known specifications.

Looking at the Core 3 305's PassMark results, the data shows strong integer math performance at 32,295 points and floating point math at 42,284 points. Data compression scores 146,857, while data encryption reaches 11,019. The extended instructions test produces 13,543 points, and random string sorting hits 17,623. The multithread score is 15,439, and the physics test delivers 1,233. The single-thread score is 3,977.

Comparing the Core 3 305 to its nearest rivals in the database, the data shows a remarkably tight cluster. The Intel Core i3-14100 scores 18,318, which is 0.1% higher than the Core 3 305's 18,302 average. The Intel Core 5 330 scores 18,345, a 0.2% advantage. The Intel Core 7 360 scores 18,374, a 0.4% lead. The AMD Ryzen 5 2600E scores 18,230, which is 0.4% lower than the Core 3 305. All four rivals sit within a 0.8% band of the Core 3 305's average score, indicating that the Core 3 305 performs essentially at parity with these established processors.

The Threadripper 9960X presents a different profile entirely. With 24 cores and 48 threads, it offers four times the core count and eight times the thread count of the Core 3 305's 6 cores and 6 threads. The Threadripper's base clock of 4.20 GHz and boost clock of 5.30 GHz far exceed the Core 3 305's 1.50 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. These clock and core advantages strongly suggest that the Threadripper would dominate multi-threaded workloads, though the database lacks direct measurements to quantify the margin.

The Verdict

The database's recorded data supports a clear split in intended use cases. The Intel Core 3 305 is a measured, active product with a full benchmark profile. It scores at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs and holds an average benchmark score of 18,302. Its nearest rivals, the Core i3-14100, Core 5 330, Core 7 360, and Ryzen 5 2600E, all fall within 0.4% of its average score. This indicates that the Core 3 305 sits in a dense performance cluster where no single processor has a meaningful advantage.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X, with no recorded benchmarks, cannot be directly compared on measured scores. Its percentile rank of 50 and average score of zero reflect the absence of data, not a performance deficiency. The specifications indicate a processor designed for extreme multi-core throughput. Its 24 cores, 48 threads, and 128 MB of L3 cache are characteristics of a high-end desktop part aimed at content creation, scientific computing, and heavy parallel workloads.

The data suggests that the Core 3 305 is a low-power mobile processor with moderate performance, while the Threadripper 9960X is a desktop enthusiast processor with far greater parallel capability. The Core 3 305's 15 W TDP and single-channel memory bus position it for thin-and-light laptops where efficiency matters more than raw throughput. The Threadripper's 350 W TDP and quad-channel memory support indicate a workstation-class part.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 3 305 wins in measurable database performance within its segment. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1,852 and PassMark single-thread score of 3,977 demonstrate competent per-thread performance for a mobile processor. The Core 3 305 also holds the production status of Active and carries a launch MSRP of $309.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X wins on raw specifications. Its 24 cores and 48 threads dwarf the Core 3 305's 6 cores and 6 threads. The Threadripper's 5.30 GHz boost clock exceeds the Core 3 305's 4.30 GHz boost by a full gigahertz. The Threadripper's 128 MB L3 cache is more than twenty times the Core 3 305's 6 MB shared L3. The Threadripper's quad-channel DDR5 memory bus with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth compares to the Core 3 305's single-channel 59.7 GB/s. The Threadripper supports ECC memory, while the Core 3 305 does not. The Threadripper offers PCIe Gen 5 with 80 lanes, while the Core 3 305 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 6 lanes.

For multi-threaded workloads, the Threadripper's specification advantage is decisive. The Core 3 305's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 13,123 comes from a 6-core, 6-thread processor. A 24-core, 48-thread processor with higher clocks would be expected to produce a substantially higher score, though the database does not provide that measurement.

For single-threaded workloads, the Threadripper retains an advantage on paper. Its 5.30 GHz boost clock is higher than the Core 3 305's 4.30 GHz boost. The Core 3 305's single-core Cinebench R23 score of 1,852 is modest, and a higher-clocked processor would likely exceed it, but again no direct measurement exists.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core 3 305?

A: The Core 3 305 has an average benchmark score of 18,302, placing it at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?

A: The Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark scores. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and its percentile rank is 50.

Q: How does the Core 3 305 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 3 305 scores 0.1% lower than the Intel Core i3-14100, 0.2% lower than the Intel Core 5 330, 0.4% lower than the Intel Core 7 360, and 0.4% higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 2600E.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What memory support does each processor offer?

A: The Threadripper 9960X supports quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth and ECC memory. The Core 3 305 supports single-channel DDR5 and LPDDR5X with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC support.

Q: What are the TDP values for each processor?

A: The Threadripper 9960X has a TDP of 350 W. The Core 3 305 has a TDP of 15 W.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Zen 5 architecture with the codename Shimada Peak. It is built on a 4 nm process at TSMC, containing 33,260 million transistors across four 70.6 mm² dies. The processor uses AMD Socket sTR5 and belongs to the 9000 series. It features 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, with a total of 128 MB of L3 cache. The Threadripper supports DDR5 memory across a quad-channel bus, delivering 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is supported. The processor provides 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU. It has no integrated graphics. The multiplier is unlocked, and the launch MSRP is $1499.

The Intel Core 3 305 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and belongs to the Core 3 generation. It is built on a 3 nm process at Intel. The processor uses Intel BGA 1516 and has no listed architecture name. It features 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory across a single-channel bus, delivering 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported. The processor provides 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the CPU. It includes integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe. The multiplier is locked. The launch MSRP is $309.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every recorded specification. The Threadripper 9960X offers 24 cores and 48 threads, while the Core 3 305 offers 6 cores and 6 threads. The Threadripper has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and boost clock of 5.30 GHz, compared to 1.50 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost for the Core 3 305. The Threadripper's TDP is 350 W, while the Core 3 305 has a TDP of 15 W.

The socket types differ completely. The Threadripper uses AMD Socket sTR5, while the Core 3 305 uses Intel BGA 1516. The Threadripper's process node is 4 nm from TSMC, while the Core 3 305 uses 3 nm from Intel. The Threadripper has 33,260 million transistors and a die size of 4x 70.6 mm², while the Core 3 305 has no recorded transistor count or die size.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Threadripper has 64 KB L1 per core and 1 MB L2 per core, with 128 MB L3. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1 total, 2.5 MB L2 total, and 6 MB shared L3. The Threadripper supports quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth and ECC, while the Core 3 305 supports single-channel DDR5 and LPDDR5X with 59.7 GB/s and no ECC.

PCIe capabilities differ by a wide margin. The Threadripper provides 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, while the Core 3 305 provides 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. The Threadripper has no integrated graphics, while the Core 3 305 includes Intel Xe3 Graphics. The Threadripper's multiplier is unlocked, while the Core 3 305's is locked. The Threadripper targets the desktop market segment, while the Core 3 305 targets mobile. Both processors are marked as Active in production status, with the Threadripper released on 2025-07-29 and the Core 3 305 released on 2026-04-15.