AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and Intel Core 9 273PE occupy opposite ends of the desktop compute spectrum. The 9980X is a 64-core workstation monster built for maximum throughput, while the 273PE is a 12-core mainstream processor aimed at efficiency and everyday responsiveness. Benchmark data shows a complete sweep: the 9980X wins all 17 recorded head-to-head tests, with the smallest margin at 24.3% in single-thread performance and the largest at 829.6% in extended instructions. The 273PE, however, holds its own in the 90th percentile of all CPUs, while the 9980X sits in the 99th percentile.

Where Each One Wins

The workload split is stark. The Threadripper 9980X dominates every multi-threaded and parallel task category. In PassMark multithread tests, it scores 141,641 versus the Core 9 273PE's 36,810, a 284.8% advantage. The gap widens in data compression, where the 9980X scores 2,974,534 against 405,885, a 632.9% margin. Integer math favors the AMD part by 525.5%, with scores of 872,071 versus 139,410. Floating-point math shows a 418.2% lead, 559,003 versus 107,884. These results indicate the 9980X is purpose-built for rendering, simulation, encoding, and any workload that scales across its 128 threads.

The Core 9 273PE, despite losing every benchmark, shows its strength in relative efficiency and single-thread capability. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3,650 trails the 9980X's 4,537 by only 24.3%, the closest margin in the entire dataset. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the 273PE scores 4,417 versus 18,427, but that massive gap reflects the 9980X's unusually high boost clock of 5.40 GHz combined with its Zen 5 architecture. The 273PE's 5.70 GHz boost clock does not translate to a win, but its 65 W TDP and 12-core design indicate it wins on power draw and platform simplicity, factors not captured in raw performance scores.

Data encryption shows a 591.7% win for the 9980X, 157,137 versus 22,719, suggesting the AMD processor's larger caches and wider memory bus handle cryptographic workloads far better. Extended instructions, likely AVX-512 and similar sets, show the biggest disparity at 829.6%, with the 9980X scoring 228,959 versus 24,630. This confirms the 9980X carries dedicated execution units that the 273PE lacks. The 273PE's best relative showing is physics, where it trails by only 156.4%, scoring 3,120 versus 8,001.

The Verdict

The data points to two distinct buyers. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is for users who need maximum multi-core throughput without compromise. Its 64 cores, 128 threads, and 256 MB L3 cache deliver a 317.3% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core and a 317.2% lead in R20 and R23 multi-core tests. It is the clear choice for video rendering, 3D simulation, large-scale data processing, and software compilation, where every additional core translates directly to faster completion times.

The Intel Core 9 273PE is for users who prioritize efficiency, lower power draw, and a modest desktop footprint. Its 65 W TDP compares to the 9980X's 350 W, and it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving platform flexibility. It still performs at the 90th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it is faster than most desktop processors, but it cannot compete with a 64-core Threadripper in any measured workload.

No benchmark favors the 273PE. The 9980X wins every test, from data compression to random string sorting, with margins ranging from 24.3% to 829.6%. The 273PE's only numerical advantages are its lower TDP, dual-channel memory bus (which is a disadvantage for bandwidth), and integrated UHD Graphics 730, which the 9980X lacks entirely. For users who need graphics output without a discrete GPU, the 273PE has that option; the 9980X requires a separate graphics card.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single win for the 9980X is in PassMark extended instructions, where it scores 228,959 versus 24,630, a 829.6% delta. This is followed by data compression at 632.9% (2,974,534 versus 405,885) and data encryption at 591.7% (157,137 versus 22,719). These three tests highlight the 9980X's specialized execution resources and massive cache hierarchy.

Random string sorting shows a 547.7% lead for the AMD part, 292,083 versus 45,098. Integer math trails close behind at 525.5%. Floating-point math delivers a 418.2% margin. The smallest wins are in single-thread tests: PassMark single-thread shows 4,537 versus 3,650, a 24.3% gap, and Cinebench R15 single-core shows 1,857 versus 445, a 317.3% gap. The Cinebench single-core margin is surprising given the 273PE's higher 5.70 GHz boost clock, but the 9980X's 5.40 GHz boost with Zen 5 architecture produces far higher IPC.

Cinebench multi-core results are consistent across versions. R15 multi-core: 13,157 versus 3,153 (317.3%). R20 multi-core: 54,822 versus 13,140 (317.2%). R23 multi-core: 130,529 versus 31,288 (317.2%). The consistency across R15, R20, and R23 indicates the 9980X scales linearly with its core count, while the 273PE's 12 cores hit a throughput ceiling. PassMark multithread shows a 284.8% lead (141,641 versus 36,810), and PassMark physics shows a 156.4% lead (8,001 versus 3,120).

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads. The Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the biggest performance difference between the two?

A: The largest margin is in PassMark extended instructions, where the 9980X scores 228,959 versus 24,630, a 829.6% advantage. The smallest margin is in PassMark single-thread, where the 9980X leads by 24.3%.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory. The 9980X uses quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, while the 273PE uses dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core 9 273PE has integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics 730. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics (N/A).

Q: How do the two compare on single-thread performance?

A: The 9980X leads in all single-thread tests. PassMark single-thread shows 4,537 versus 3,650 (24.3% lead). Cinebench R23 single-core shows 18,427 versus 4,417 (317.2% lead). The 9980X's higher IPC and boost clock of 5.40 GHz overcome the 273PE's 5.70 GHz boost.

Q: What are the release dates for these processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was released on 2025-07-29. The Intel Core 9 273PE was released on 2026-03-08.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses the Zen 5 architecture with the codename Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It packs 66,520 million transistors across 8 chips, each 70.6 mm² in size. The Intel Core 9 273PE uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process at Intel, with no transistor count or die size recorded in the database. The 9980X is a chiplet design, indicated by the 8x die configuration, while the 273PE is a monolithic part.

Cache structures differ significantly. The 9980X has 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 256 MB L3. The 273PE has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. The 9980X's 256 MB L3 is over 7 times larger than the 273PE's 36 MB, explaining its dominance in data compression and encryption tests where working sets exceed smaller caches.

Memory architecture is another major split. The 9980X supports DDR5 in quad-channel mode with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. The 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The 9980X's memory bandwidth is 2.3 times higher, which directly benefits multi-threaded workloads that stream large datasets. PCIe connectivity also differs: the 9980X provides 80 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only), while the 273PE provides 16 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only). The 9980X's 5 times more PCIe lanes support multiple GPUs, NVMe drives, and accelerators.

The 9980X has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The 273PE has a locked multiplier. The 9980X's production status is active with part number 100-000001593. The 273PE's production status is also active with part number SA4QD.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most obvious difference: 64 cores and 128 threads for the 9980X versus 12 cores and 24 threads for the 273PE. Base clocks are 3.20 GHz for the AMD part and 2.30 GHz for the Intel part. Boost clocks are 5.40 GHz for the 9980X and 5.70 GHz for the 273PE, the only specification where the Intel part is higher.

Thermal design power differs dramatically: 350 W for the 9980X versus 65 W for the 273PE. This 5.4 times difference reflects the core count disparity and dictates cooling and power supply requirements. The 9980X uses AMD Socket sTR5, while the 273PE uses Intel Socket 1700. The 9980X is part of the 9000 series with the Ryzen Threadripper generation, while the 273PE is in the Core 9 generation with no series designation recorded.

Memory support shows the 273PE's flexibility with DDR4 and DDR5, while the 9980X supports only DDR5. Memory bus width differs: quad-channel for the 9980X, dual-channel for the 273PE. Memory bandwidth is 204.8 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. Integrated graphics: the 273PE includes UHD Graphics 730, the 9980X has N/A. The 9980X has an unlocked multiplier, the 273PE does not. Launch MSRP is $4999 for the 9980X and $549 for the 273PE.