AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 vs Intel Core i9-9920X Comparison

The Intel Core i9-9920X and AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 present a clear generational and architectural divide. The data shows a consistent, albeit narrow, performance advantage for the Intel part across every recorded benchmark, while the AMD processor counters with superior efficiency specifications and a more modern platform. This analysis breaks down the measured results to clarify where each processor stands.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the head-to-head benchmark data, the Intel Core i9-9920X wins all six recorded comparisons. It takes the top spot in both multicore and single-core tests across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 does not record a single victory in the measured benchmarks.

The Intel part’s wins are substantial in absolute terms. In the Cinebench R23 multicore test, it scores 21,046 against the AMD’s 19,397. This pattern holds for single-core tests as well, where the Intel chip posts a score of 2,971 compared to 2,738 for the AMD. The consistency of these results, with a delta of exactly 8.5% in most tests, indicates that the performance gap is uniform across workloads rather than being application-specific.

However, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 wins in areas not covered by the benchmark suite. Its specifications indicate a much lower thermal design power, at 65 watts compared to Intel’s 165 watts. The AMD part also features a smaller process node, 7 nm versus 14 nm, which typically contributes to higher efficiency. The data does not show a single benchmark win for the AMD, but its platform features, such as PCIe Gen 4 support and an active production status, suggest it wins on modern connectivity and longevity.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different foundations. The Intel Core i9-9920X uses the Skylake architecture, specifically the Skylake-X codename, and is fabricated on a 14 nm process at Intel’s own foundry. It is part of the Core i9 X-Series 9th Gen family, designed for the Intel Socket 2066 platform. The die size is recorded as 484 mm².

In contrast, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 uses the Zen 2 architecture, with the codename Matisse, and is built on a 7 nm process at TSMC. This is a major advantage in transistor density, as the AMD die size is only 74 mm². The AMD processor also lists a transistor count of 3,800 million, a figure not provided for the Intel chip.

Cache structures differ significantly. The Intel part has 1 MB of L2 cache per core and a shared 19.25 MB of L3 cache. The AMD part has 512 KB of L2 cache per core but a larger shared 32 MB of L3 cache. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core. The larger L3 cache on the AMD chip could benefit certain data-intensive workloads, though the benchmark results do not reflect this advantage.

Memory support also diverges. The Intel Core i9-9920X supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with a theoretical bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 supports dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. The Intel part offers more memory bandwidth on paper, which can be critical for server-like tasks. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the Intel chip provides Gen 3 with 44 lanes, while the AMD chip provides Gen 4 with 24 lanes. The newer Gen 4 standard offers double the bandwidth per lane, even if the total lane count is lower.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows a uniform performance gap. In the R15 multicore test, the Intel Core i9-9920X scores 2,121 against the AMD’s 1,955, a delta of 8.5%. The R15 single-core test shows a similar margin, with Intel at 299 and AMD at 275, a delta of 8.7%. This is the largest single-core delta recorded.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the Intel part scores 8,839 in multicore versus 8,146 for the AMD, again an 8.5% lead. The single-core R20 test shows Intel at 1,247 and AMD at 1,149, an 8.5% difference. The Cinebench R23 results continue the trend: Intel scores 21,046 in multicore against 19,397 for AMD, and 2,971 in single-core against 2,738. The delta in both R23 tests is 8.5%.

The Geekbench results are only recorded for the Intel part. It scores 9,422 in multicore and 1,393 in single-core. Without a corresponding AMD score, this data cannot be used for direct comparison, but it contributes to the Intel part’s overall average benchmark score of 5,917. The AMD’s average benchmark score is 5,610, based on its Cinebench results.

The average benchmark scores place both processors in the 61st percentile among all CPUs. The Intel part’s nearest rivals, based on average score, include the AMD EPYC 7451 with a delta of 0%, the Intel Xeon W-2170B with a delta of -1.1%, and the AMD EPYC 7401P with a delta of 1.8%. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700’s nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-12700T with a delta of 0.1%, the Intel Atom x7433RE with a delta of 0.2%, and the Intel Core i9-11900KB with a delta of 0.4%. These figures show that both processors are tightly grouped with their direct competitors.

The Verdict

From the recorded data, the Intel Core i9-9920X is the clear performance winner. It leads in every Cinebench test, with a consistent 8.5% advantage in both multicore and single-core workloads. This makes it the stronger choice for users who prioritize raw compute throughput, such as rendering or heavy multitasking. Its higher core count, 12 cores versus 8, and higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz versus 4.40 GHz, support this advantage. The launch MSRP for the Intel part is $1189.

The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 is not a performance winner in these tests, but the data shows it offers significant efficiency and platform benefits. Its 65-watt TDP is dramatically lower than the Intel’s 165 watts, which means less heat output and potentially lower operating costs. The 7 nm process node and active production status indicate a more modern design. The AM4 socket and PCIe Gen 4 support provide a current-generation platform, whereas the Intel part is end-of-life and uses the older Socket 2066.

Users who need maximum benchmark scores should choose the Intel Core i9-9920X. Users who require a modern, efficient platform with lower power consumption should choose the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700, provided they do not need the extra performance the Intel chip provides.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-9920X has higher single-core scores in all recorded Cinebench tests, with a lead of 8.7% in Cinebench R15 and 8.5% in R20 and R23.

Q: How much power does each processor draw?

A: The Intel Core i9-9920X has a TDP of 165 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 has a TDP of 65 watts.

Q: What is the difference in process node technology?

A: The Intel Core i9-9920X is fabricated on a 14 nm process, while the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 is fabricated on a 7 nm process.

Q: Does the AMD processor support PCIe Gen 4?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 supports PCIe Gen 4 with 24 lanes, while the Intel Core i9-9920X supports PCIe Gen 3 with 44 lanes.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 has 32 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i9-9920X has 19.25 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-9920X has an average benchmark score of 5,917, while the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 has an average score of 5,610.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several key specification fields. The Intel Core i9-9920X has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700 has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.50 GHz for Intel and 3.60 GHz for AMD, but boost clocks are 4.50 GHz and 4.40 GHz, respectively. The Intel part has a TDP of 165 watts, versus 65 watts for the AMD part.

The cache layouts differ: Intel uses 1 MB L2 per core and 19.25 MB shared L3, while AMD uses 512 KB L2 per core and 32 MB shared L3. Memory bus width differs, with Intel supporting quad-channel and AMD supporting dual-channel, leading to memory bandwidth figures of 85.3 GB/s and 51.2 GB/s, respectively. PCIe support is Gen 3 with 44 lanes for Intel and Gen 4 with 24 lanes for AMD. The process node is 14 nm for Intel and 7 nm for AMD. The Intel part is end-of-life, while the AMD part is active in production. The Intel die size is 484 mm², while the AMD die size is 74 mm².