AMD Ryzen Threadripper vs Intel Core i9: Which Processor is Better?

AMD Ryzen Threadripper vs Intel Core i9: Which Processor is Better?

AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 are two of the most powerful and versatile processors in the market, offering high core counts, clock speeds, and features for workstation and desktop users. However, they also have some differences and trade-offs that may affect your choice depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the key aspects to consider when comparing AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors:

Performance

Both AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors offer exceptional performance for multi-threaded workloads, such as 3D rendering, video editing, animation, game development, and more. They also offer high clock speeds and boost frequencies for single-threaded workloads, such as gaming, web browsing, and office applications. However, these processors generally have higher core counts and cache sizes than Intel Core i9 processors, which gives them an edge in terms of raw performance and scalability. For example, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX has 96 cores and 192 threads, while the Intel Core i9-12900K has 16 cores and 24 threads. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the Intel Core i9-9900K has 8 cores and 16 threads. These differences can translate into significant performance gains for AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors in some scenarios, especially when using applications that can utilize all the available cores and threads.

However, Intel Core i9 processors also have some advantages over AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors in terms of performance. For one, Intel Core i9 processors have higher boost clocks and turbo frequencies than AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors, which can improve their performance in single-threaded or lightly-threaded workloads. For example, the Intel Core i9-12900K has a boost clock of 5.2 GHz and a turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX has a boost clock of 4.5 GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz. The Intel Core i9-9900K has a boost clock of 5.0 GHz and a turbo frequency of 5.3 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has a boost clock of 4.4 GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz. These differences can translate into significant performance gains for Intel Core i9 processors in some scenarios, especially when using applications that are sensitive to clock speed and latency.

Another advantage of Intel Core i9 processors over AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors is that they support Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB), which is a feature that allows the processor to increase its clock speed beyond the normal turbo frequency when the temperature and power conditions are favorable. This can provide an additional performance boost for Intel Core i9 processors in some situations, depending on the cooling solution and the workload. However, TVB is not available for all Intel Core i9 processors, and it may not be consistent or reliable in some cases.

Technology

Both AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors are built with cutting-edge technology, using the latest architectures, process technologies, and features. However, they also have some differences and trade-offs that may affect your choice depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the key aspects to consider when comparing AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors:

Architecture: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors are based on the AMD “Zen 4” architecture, which offers up to 19% IPC improvement over the previous generation. Intel Core i9 processors are based on the Intel 7 architecture, which is a refined version of the 10nm process technology that offers up to 10% IPC improvement over the previous generation. Both architectures offer improved performance, efficiency, and features, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors may have a slight edge in terms of IPC and scalability.
Process Technology: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors use the 5nm process technology, which enables higher performance and lower power consumption. Intel Core i9 processors use the 10nm process technology, which is also improved and optimized for performance and efficiency. Both process technologies offer advantages and disadvantages, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors may have a slight edge in terms of density and power efficiency.
PCIe and DDR: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors support the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies, which offer faster data transfer and memory speeds. Intel Core i9 processors also support PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies, but only for the 12th-generation models. The previous generation models support PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 technologies, which are still fast and reliable, but not as advanced as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5. Both PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies offer advantages and disadvantages, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors may have a slight edge in terms of bandwidth and capacity.
PRO Technologies: AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors support AMD PRO technologies, such as AMD Memory Guard, AMD Secure Processor, and AMD PRO Manageability, which offer enhanced security, reliability, expandability, and manageability for professional and business users. Intel Core i9 processors do not support these features, but they do support Intel vPro technologies, such as Intel Active Management Technology, Intel Trusted Execution Technology, and Intel Stable Image Platform Program, which offer similar benefits for professional and business users. Both AMD PRO and Intel vPro technologies offer advantages and disadvantages, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors may have a slight edge in terms of security and memory encryption.

Platform

Both AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors are compatible with versatile and flexible platforms, offering a wide range of motherboard options, cooling solutions, and device support for users. However, they also have some differences and trade-offs that may affect your choice depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the key aspects to consider when comparing AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors:

Socket: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors use the sTR5 socket, which is a new socket that replaces the previous sTR4 socket. Intel Core i9 processors use different sockets depending on the generation and the platform. The 12th generation models use the LGA 1700 socket, which is a new socket that replaces the previous LGA 1200 socket. The previous generation models use the LGA 1200 socket for the mainstream platform and the LGA 2066 socket for the high-end desktop platform. Both sTR5 and LGA 1700 sockets offer advantages and disadvantages, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors may have a slight edge in terms of compatibility and longevity.
Chipset: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors use the AMD TRX80 chipset, which is a new chipset that replaces the previous AMD X399 chipset. Intel Core i9 processors use different chipsets depending on the generation and the platform. The 12th generation models use the Intel 600 series chipset, which is a new chipset that replaces the previous Intel 500 series chipset. The previous generation models use the Intel 500 series chipset for the mainstream platform and the Intel X299 chipset for the high-end desktop platform. Both AMD TRX80 and Intel 600 series chipsets offer advantages and disadvantages, but AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors may have a slight edge in terms of features and functionality.
PCIe Lanes: AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors offer more PCIe lanes than Intel Core i9 processors, which allows them to support more GPUs, NVMe SSDs, and other devices. For example, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX has 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, while the Intel Core i9-12900K has 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has 48 PCIe 5.0 lanes, while the Intel Core i9-9900K has 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes. These differences can translate into significant advantages for AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors in terms of expandability and performance.
Cooling Solutions: Both AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors support various cooling solutions, such as air, liquid, or custom loop cooling, for optimal thermal performance. However, AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors generally have higher TDPs than Intel Core i9 processors, which means they generate more heat and require more cooling power. For example, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX has a TDP of 350 W, while the Intel Core i9-12900K has a TDP of 125 W. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has a TDP of 350 W, while the Intel Core i9-9900K has a TDP of 95 W. These differences can translate into significant challenges for AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors in terms of cooling and noise.

Conclusion

AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors are both excellent choices for workstation and desktop users, offering unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, versatile platform, and creative inspiration. However, they also have some differences and trade-offs that may affect your choice depending on your needs and preferences.