AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Intel Core Ultra X9 378H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X contains no benchmark scores, while the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H has a full suite of results. This asymmetry means the only measurable head-to-head is one-sided. The Intel part’s average benchmark score is 47468, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals are tightly clustered: the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 scores 47527 (delta -0.1%), the Intel Core Ultra 7 265T scores 47697 (delta -0.5%), the Intel Core i7-13700KF scores 47330 (delta +0.3%), and the Intel Core i9-12900F scores 47176 (delta +0.6%). The Core Ultra X9 378H sits almost exactly at parity with these parts, trailing the 265T by half a percent and leading the i9-12900F by 0.6%.

Looking at single-core performance, the Core Ultra X9 378H delivers a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4595 and a PassMark single-thread score of 4453. In multi-core workloads, the Cinebench R23 multicore result is 32553, with a PassMark multithread score of 38298. The data shows a strong scaling pattern: the multicore score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score in Cinebench R23, which is consistent with a 16-thread part that does not rely on simultaneous multithreading.

The PassMark sub-tests reveal the workload shape. Floating point math scores 114500, integer math scores 92603, and extended instructions scores 31315. Data compression reaches 386591, which is the highest PassMark sub-score recorded for this CPU. Data encryption scores 29840, random string sorting scores 44648, and find prime numbers scores 357. Physics simulation scores 3404.

Because the AMD part has no benchmark entries, there is no direct score comparison available. The database records the Threadripper 9960X at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of 0, which reflects missing data rather than a measured result. Readers should treat any performance comparison between these two processors as undefined until benchmark data for the AMD part is populated.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Zen 5 architecture with the codename Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core Ultra X9 378H uses the Pantler Lake codename, built on a 3 nm process at Intel. The AMD processor is a desktop part in the 9000 series, while the Intel processor is a mobile part in the Core Ultra Series 3.

Core counts differ substantially. The Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads, while the Core Ultra X9 378H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The AMD part uses simultaneous multithreading, doubling its thread count, whereas the Intel part has no thread doubling. Base clocks are 4.20 GHz for AMD and 2.00 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 5.30 GHz for AMD and 5.00 GHz for Intel. The power envelope differs sharply: the Threadripper 9960X has a TDP of 350 watts, while the Core Ultra X9 378H has a TDP of 25 watts.

Cache layouts are also distinct. The AMD part has 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel part has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The AMD processor has a transistor count of 33,260 million spread across a die size of 4x 70.6 mm². The Intel processor has no transistor count or die size recorded in the database.

Memory support diverges as well. The Threadripper 9960X supports DDR5 memory on a quad-channel bus with 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC memory. The Core Ultra X9 378H supports LPDDR5X on a dual-channel bus with 153.6 GB/s of bandwidth and no ECC support. PCIe connectivity differs by a wide margin: the AMD part offers Gen 5 with 80 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel part offers Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The AMD processor has no integrated graphics, while the Intel processor includes Arc B390 graphics. The AMD socket is sTR5, and the Intel socket is BGA 2540. The AMD multiplier is unlocked, while the Intel multiplier is locked.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X boosts to 5.30 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H boosts to 5.00 GHz.

Q: How much L3 cache does each CPU have?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 128 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H has 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X9 378H has an average benchmark score of 47468 and ranks in the 89th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra X9 378H does not.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only).

Q: What is the production status of both CPUs?

A: Both the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X and the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H have an active production status.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split based on workload and platform. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X targets desktop workstations with 24 cores, 48 threads, a 350-watt TDP, 128 MB of L3 cache, quad-channel DDR5 memory with ECC, and 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. The Intel Core Ultra X9 378H targets mobile systems with 16 cores, 16 threads, a 25-watt TDP, 18 MB of L3 cache, dual-channel LPDDR5X memory, integrated Arc B390 graphics, and 4 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.

For users who need extreme multi-threaded throughput, expandable memory bandwidth, and ECC reliability on a desktop socket, the recorded specifications point to the AMD part. Its 48 threads, 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, and 80 PCIe lanes are unmatched in this comparison. The Intel part, by contrast, is designed for efficiency and portability, with a 25-watt TDP that is 14 times lower than the AMD part’s 350-watt TDP. Its integrated graphics and mobile socket make it suitable for compact systems.

The benchmark data only covers the Intel part, so any verdict on measured performance must rely on the Core Ultra X9 378H’s results. Its 89th percentile ranking and near-parity with the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945, Intel Core Ultra 7 265T, Intel Core i7-13700KF, and Intel Core i9-12900F indicate competitive mainstream performance. The AMD Threadripper 9960X has no recorded scores, so its measured standing in the database is unknown.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | Intel Core Ultra X9 378H |

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

| Cores | 24 | 16 |

| Threads | 48 | 16 |

| Base clock | 4.20 GHz | 2.00 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.30 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 25 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Not specified |

| Codename | Shimada Peak | Panther Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen Threadripper (Zen 5 (Shimada Peak)) | Ultra X9 (Panther Lake-H) |

| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 33,260 million | Not specified |

| Die size | 4x 70.6 mm² | Not specified |

| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 128 MB | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 153.6 GB/s |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 4 lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | N/A | Arc B390 |

| Market segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release date | 2025-07-29 | 2026-04-03 |

| Launch MSRP | $1499 | Not specified |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part number | 100-000001595 | Unknown |