AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data for these two processors tells a clear story of specialization. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X and the Intel Core 9 273PQE target different workloads, and the recorded measurements reflect that divide.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE holds all benchmark wins in this comparison. It delivers 3950 points in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 557 points in single-core, 16459 points in Cinebench R20 multi-core, 2323 points in single-core, 39190 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 5532 points in single-core. The PassMark suite also favors Intel: data compression at 585752, data encryption at 29636, extended instructions at 38743, prime numbers at 198, floating point math at 125546, integer math at 164629, multithread at 46107, physics at 2754, random string sorting at 53167, and single thread at 4573.

The AMD processor shows zero recorded benchmark wins in this dataset. It has no benchmark entries in the database, while the Intel part has a full set of 17 test results. This absence of data for AMD does not necessarily indicate poor performance, but the available measurements clearly favor Intel across every test category.

The Intel processor sits in the 93rd percentile among all CPUs, while the AMD Threadripper sits at the 50th percentile. The average benchmark score for Intel is 66099, which places it near several close rivals: the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 66159 (0.1% higher), the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D scores 65914 (0.3% lower), the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scores 66855 (1.1% higher), and the AMD EPYC 4465P scores 66925 (1.2% higher). These delta percentages show the Intel part is essentially performance-equivalent to those four processors, all within roughly a 1.2% band.

Architecture Differences

The two processors differ fundamentally in their internal design. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Zen 5 architecture under the codename Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 9 273PQE uses the Bartlett Lake codename, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry.

Core counts diverge sharply. AMD provides 24 cores and 48 threads. Intel provides 12 cores and 24 threads. The AMD part therefore doubles the thread count of the Intel part. Clock speeds also differ: AMD runs a base clock of 4.20 GHz with a boost of 5.30 GHz. Intel runs a base of 3.40 GHz with a boost of 5.90 GHz. Intel achieves a higher peak frequency, while AMD starts from a higher base frequency.

Cache configurations are notably different. AMD uses 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a large 128 MB L3 cache. Intel uses 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. Intel allocates more cache per individual core, but AMD's total L3 capacity is more than three times larger.

Memory support separates the two as well. AMD supports DDR5 only, with a quad-channel memory bus and 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, but uses a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory. AMD provides 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, while Intel provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. The Threadripper also includes no integrated graphics, while Intel includes UHD Graphics 770.

Other differences include the socket: AMD uses Socket sTR5, Intel uses Socket 1700. The AMD multiplier is unlocked, the Intel multiplier is not. The AMD part carries a TDP of 350 watts, the Intel part 125 watts. Transistor count for AMD is 33,260 million across a 4x 70.6 mm² die arrangement; Intel's transistor count and die size are not recorded. The AMD release date is 2025-07-29, the Intel release date is 2026-03-08.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct comparison is limited because the AMD Threadripper 9960X has no benchmark scores in the database. All recorded measurements belong to the Intel Core 9 273PQE. The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and the win counts are zero for both processors.

The Intel data alone, however, reveals consistent performance levels. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel part scores 39190, which places it in the 93rd percentile among all CPUs. Its single-core score of 5532 in the same test indicates strong per-thread performance. The PassMark multithread score of 46107 and single-thread score of 4573 reinforce this balance. The data compression score of 585752 is particularly high, while the prime number finding score of 198 is comparatively low, suggesting the processor performs better on certain instruction types than others.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the Intel processor's average score of 66099 sits nearly identical to the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus at 66159, a delta of only -0.1%. Against the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D at 65914, the Intel part is 0.3% ahead. Against the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus at 66855, it trails by 1.1%. Against the AMD EPYC 4465P at 66925, it trails by 1.2%. These margins are small, indicating the Core 9 273PQE competes in a tight performance band.

For the AMD Threadripper, the absence of benchmark scores means no numerical comparison can be made. The database records a 50th percentile position, which would suggest mid-pack performance, but without actual test data this remains speculative. The architectural specifications, including 24 cores, 48 threads, and 128 MB of L3 cache, suggest high multi-threaded capability, but no measured scores confirm this.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads. AMD provides double the thread count.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The AMD processor boosts to 5.30 GHz. The Intel processor boosts to 5.90 GHz. Intel holds the higher peak frequency.

Q: Which processor supports more memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD processor uses a quad-channel bus with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel processor uses a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. AMD's memory bandwidth is more than double.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Threadripper 9960X has no integrated graphics. The Intel Core 9 273PQE includes UHD Graphics 770.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity for each?

A: The AMD processor has 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel processor has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD's L3 is significantly larger.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE ranks in the 93rd percentile among all CPUs. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X ranks in the 50th percentile.

The Verdict

The recorded data strongly favors the Intel Core 9 273PQE for any measurable workload. It holds every benchmark score in the database, ranks in the 93rd percentile, and achieves an average score of 66099. Its nearest rivals all fall within a 1.2% band, confirming consistent performance across similar processors. The Intel part also offers a higher boost clock at 5.90 GHz, integrated graphics, and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with a lower 125 watt TDP.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X offers architectural advantages that are not reflected in benchmark scores. It provides 24 cores versus 12, 48 threads versus 24, a 128 MB L3 cache versus 36 MB, quad-channel memory versus dual-channel, and 80 PCIe lanes versus 16. These specifications point to workloads that benefit from massive parallelism, high memory throughput, and extensive I/O expansion. The 350 watt TDP and unlocked multiplier indicate a processor designed for heavy, sustained workloads rather than general desktop use.

The database shows the Intel processor as the performance leader in all recorded tests. The AMD processor, despite its larger core and cache configuration, has no recorded benchmark wins. The 50th percentile ranking for AMD versus the 93rd for Intel suggests the Threadripper sits well below the Core 9 in the aggregate performance distribution, though the lack of direct test data leaves some uncertainty. Users requiring the measured performance levels found in the Cinebench and PassMark scores should select the Intel part. Users with workloads that demand extreme core counts, massive L3 capacity, or quad-channel memory should evaluate the AMD part based on its specifications, since no benchmark data exists to confirm its actual performance.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | Intel Core 9 273PQE |

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

| Cores | 24 | 12 |

| Threads | 48 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 4.20 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.30 GHz | 5.90 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 125 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Not recorded |

| Codename | Shimada Peak | Bartlett Lake |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 33,260 million | Not recorded |

| Die Size | 4x 70.6 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 128 MB | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | Active |

| Release Date | 2025-07-29 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | $1499 | $589 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | 100-000001595 | SA4Q9 |