AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Intel Core i9-9980XE Comparison

The Intel Core i9-9980XE and AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX represent two distinct approaches to high-end desktop computing, separated by a generational gap in process technology and architectural philosophy. The benchmark data reveals a clear overall victor in the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX, which secures 7 wins out of 8 head-to-head comparisons, but the Intel part demonstrates a specific strength in one notable multi-threaded workload that prevents a complete sweep.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern across the benchmark suite is the consistency of AMD's victory margin in the Cinebench tests. Across all six Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 runs—both single-core and multi-core—the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX delivers a uniform deltaPct of -5.9% relative to the Intel Core i9-9980XE, meaning the AMD processor scores approximately 5.9% higher in every instance. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD part posts 28469 points against Intel's 26780, while in single-core R23 it achieves 4019 versus 3780. The same pattern holds in R20, where the AMD scores 11956 multi-core and 1687 single-core, compared to Intel's 11247 and 1587 respectively, and in R15, where AMD's 2869 multi-core and 404 single-core edge out Intel's 2699 and 380.

The single exception to this dominance comes in Geekbench multi-core, where the Intel Core i9-9980XE turns the tables with a 3.8% advantage, scoring 11270 against AMD's 10854. This is a notable reversal, as it demonstrates that the Intel part's 18-core, 36-thread configuration can outperform the 12-core, 24-thread AMD processor in certain multi-threaded workloads, despite losing in all other multi-core tests. However, in Geekbench single-core, the AMD part reasserts its superiority with a substantial 13.8% lead, scoring 1668 versus Intel's 1437—the largest deltaPct in either direction across the entire comparison.

When examining the average benchmark scores, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX posts a figure of 7741, placing it in the 64th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core i9-9980XE averages 7398, sitting in the 63rd percentile. The AMD processor's nearest rival, the Intel Core i9-10980XE, averages 7910, with the AMD part 2.1% behind, while the Intel Core i9-9980XE's closest competitor, the AMD EPYC 7282, averages 7409, with the Intel part just 0.1% behind. These proximity figures underscore that both processors are tightly clustered in the broader performance landscape, yet the direct comparison shows a consistent AMD advantage.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is the clear pick for rendering workloads, as evidenced by its 5.9% lead across the entire Cinebench suite. This consistency across multiple versions of the test—R15, R20, and R23—suggests a fundamental architectural advantage in CPU-intensive rendering tasks that scales with both thread count and core efficiency. The fact that this margin holds in single-core tests as well indicates that the Zen 2 architecture's per-core performance is superior, not just its aggregate throughput.

The Intel Core i9-9980XE's lone victory in Geekbench multi-core is significant for users running applications that follow Geekbench's specific workload patterns. The 3.8% advantage here suggests that the Intel part's higher core count (18 versus 12) and 36 threads can be leveraged effectively in certain parallel workloads that are not as sensitive to per-core performance. This could translate to advantages in specific scientific computing tasks or heavily threaded database operations where the extra cores provide a tangible benefit.

For single-threaded applications, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is decisively ahead. Its 13.8% lead in Geekbench single-core and 5.9% lead in all Cinebench single-core tests indicate that users running legacy software, lightly threaded applications, or interactive workloads will experience noticeably better responsiveness with the AMD part. The Intel Core i9-9980XE's boost clock of 4.50 GHz is higher than AMD's 4.30 GHz, yet the AMD part still wins all single-core comparisons, pointing to the Zen 2 architecture's superior instructions-per-clock efficiency.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core i9-9980XE uses the Skylake-X architecture on a 14 nm process node fabricated by Intel, with a die size of 484 mm². The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX employs the Zen 2 architecture, codenamed Castle Peak, on a 7 nm process node from TSMC, using two chiplets of 74 mm² each, totaling 148 mm² of silicon. This process advantage is reflected in the transistor counts: AMD's design packs 7,600 million transistors, while Intel's transistor count is not specified in the data.

Core configurations differ significantly. The Intel part features 18 cores and 36 threads, while the AMD part has 12 cores and 24 threads. Despite having 50% more cores, the Intel processor cannot overcome the AMD part's per-core efficiency in most benchmarks. The base clocks also favor AMD, with 4.00 GHz compared to Intel's 3.00 GHz, although Intel's boost clock of 4.50 GHz exceeds AMD's 4.30 GHz. Power consumption is dramatically different, with Intel rated at 165 W TDP and AMD at 280 W TDP, reflecting the AMD part's higher base clock and server-oriented design.

Cache hierarchies are also distinct. Both use 64 KB of L1 cache per core, but Intel allocates 1 MB of L2 per core while AMD uses 512 KB per core. The L3 cache is where AMD takes a significant lead: 64 MB shared compared to Intel's 24.75 MB shared. Memory support shows the AMD part's workstation pedigree, with eight-channel DDR4 memory and 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, versus Intel's quad-channel configuration at 85.3 GB/s. AMD also supports ECC memory, which Intel does not, and offers PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes from the CPU, while Intel provides PCIe Gen 3 with 44 lanes.

The Verdict

The data directs a clear recommendation toward the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX for most users. It wins 7 of 8 head-to-head comparisons, including every Cinebench test and both single-core tests, with margins ranging from 5.9% to 13.8%. Its higher average benchmark score of 7741 versus 7398, combined with its 64th percentile ranking against AMD's 63rd, reinforces its overall superiority. The AMD part also benefits from being an active production part, whereas the Intel processor is end-of-life.

The Intel Core i9-9980XE retains a specific niche for workloads that mirror Geekbench's multi-core test, where its 18 cores and 36 threads deliver a 3.8% advantage. Users with heavily threaded applications that scale well beyond 24 threads might find this Intel part serviceable, though its lower memory bandwidth (85.3 GB/s versus 204.8 GB/s) and lack of ECC support could limit its appeal in workstation environments. The Intel processor also has a launch MSRP of $1979, though pricing considerations are outside the scope of this analysis.

For rendering, single-threaded performance, memory bandwidth, and modern PCIe connectivity, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is the data-backed choice. Its uniform 5.9% lead across all Cinebench versions indicates a robust, generational improvement in architecture that the Intel part cannot match despite its core-count advantage.

FAQ

Q: How many benchmarks did each processor win in the head-to-head comparison?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX won 7 benchmarks, while the Intel Core i9-9980XE won 1 benchmark, specifically Geekbench multi-core.

Q: What was the largest performance margin between the two processors?

A: The largest margin was in Geekbench single-core, where the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX scored 1668 against Intel's 1437, a deltaPct of -13.8% favoring AMD.

Q: How do the core counts compare between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has 18 cores and 36 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What are the process node differences?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE uses a 14 nm process node from Intel, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses a 7 nm process node from TSMC.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i9-9980XE does not.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth specifications for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-9980XE has quad-channel memory with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has eight-channel memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth.