AMD Ryzen 9 3900x Vs Core i9 9900k: Which CPU Is Better?

The 2018 and 2019 top CPUs are AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Intel Core i9-9900K. Power users, content makers, and gamers preferred these. However, each CPU has pros and cons depending on the task.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900x Vs Core i9 9900k Performance Comparison

Gaming Performance

  • 5.0GHz turbo and single-core enable i9-9900K games with fewer threads.
  • In CPU-intensive 1080p titles like Far Cry 5 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it outperforms the Ryzen 9 3900X by 5–10%.
  • GPU limit, not CPU, therefore 1440p and 4K play equally.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900x vs intel core i9 9900k gaming Benchmarks (1080p, Ultra Settings):

Game TitleIntel Core i9-9900K (FPS)AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (FPS)Performance Difference
Far Cry 5134.5115+17% (Intel)
Grand Theft Auto V165160+3% (Intel)
Hitman (2016)140125+12% (Intel)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider109.997+13% (Intel)
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey9795+2% (Intel)
Project CARS 2116.3110+6% (Intel)

Also Read About AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D Specs, Price, Architecture And features

Efficiency & Multi-Core Activities

  • For multi-threaded tasks like these, the Ryzen 9 3900X, with its 12 cores and 24 threads, is noticeably superior.
  • Editing videos (such as Adob Premiere Pro)
  • 3D modeling (using Blender, for example)

Software compilation or file compression

  • The 3900X outperforms the i9-9900K by 30–40% in Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core results.
  • Although it performs well, the i9-9900K is better for gaming, streaming, and light content production.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs Core i9 9900K CPU Benchmark (Productivity & Synthetic Tests):

Benchmark/TestIntel Core i9-9900KAMD Ryzen 9 3900XWinner / Notes
Cinebench R20 (Single-Core)~520~510i9-9900K (slightly faster)
Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core)~3,700~7,100Ryzen 9 3900X (nearly double)
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)~10,000~18,200Ryzen 9 3900X
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)~1,370~1,300i9-9900K
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)~9,000~12,400Ryzen 9 3900X
PassMark CPU Mark~20,500~32,500Ryzen 9 3900X (strong multi-threaded)
3DMark Time Spy CPU Score~8,000~10,200Ryzen 9 3900X
Blender (BMW Render)~2m 45s~1m 38sRyzen 9 3900X (much faster rendering)
7-Zip Compression~55,000 MIPS~87,000 MIPSRyzen 9 3900X
Adobe Premiere Pro (Export Time)~5m 20s (4K video)~3m 30sRyzen 9 3900X (better rendering speed)

Benefits and Drawbacks

Intel Core i9-9900K

  • Increased Clock Speed: Excellent for applications and games that rely on single-thread speed.
  • For everyday use or troubleshooting without a separate GPU, integrated graphics is useful.
  • Outstanding Thermals: Capable of being overclocked for increased performance when properly cooled.
  • Reduced power usage in contrast to the Ryzen 9 3900X.

Also Read About Intel Core i5 12400F Price, Gaming Performance And Specs

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

  • Better performance in multitasking and workstation workloads is achieved with more cores and threads.
  • Support for PCIe 4.0: Prepares your system for faster GPUs and SSDs in the future.
  • Better value: Comes with a premium stock chiller, which eliminates the need for further funding.
  • 12 cores with low power consumption because of the 7nm manufacturing technology.

Drawbacks

Intel Core i9-9900K

  • No cooler is provided; you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.
  • More costly platform: Z390 motherboards are often more expensive.
  • Future upgrading options are limited because the LGA1151 socket is out of date.
  • Lack of PCIe 4.0 limits future high-speed storage and graphics.

Ryzen 9 3900X

  • Absence of integrated graphics Even a simple display requires a dedicated GPU.
  • Some 1080p games have slightly poorer performance.
  • When using the stock cooler, it runs hotter under load; for severe workloads, aftermarket cooling can be preferable.

Optimal Use Cases

For gamers who desire the highest frame rate in competitive games, the Intel Core i9-9900K is perfect.

  • Streamers who don’t require 12 cores but play and stream simultaneously.
  • Users who want integrated graphics for straightforward applications.
  • Purchasers who intend to work overtime.
  • The top uses for AMD Ryzen 9 3900X are:
  • Experts who utilize complex multi-threaded programs.
  • Content producers who work with big datasets, music composition, or video rendering.
  • Users are constructing PCs that are future-proof by supporting fast NVMe SSDs and PCIe 4.0.
  • Those who are looking for the best possible price-to-performance ratio.

Pricing (As of May 2025)

ProcessorLaunch Price (USD)Current Global Price (Approx.)
Intel Core i9-9900K$499$350 – $400
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X$499$300 – $350

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Vs Core i9 9900K Specs

FeatureIntel Core i9-9900KAMD Ryzen 9 3900X
ArchitectureCoffee Lake Refresh (14nm)Zen 2 (7nm)
Cores/Threads8 Cores / 16 Threads12 Cores / 24 Threads
Base/Boost Clock3.6GHz / 5.0GHz3.8GHz / 4.6GHz
Cache (L3)16MB64MB
TDP95W105W
SocketLGA 1151AM4
PCIe SupportPCIe 3.0PCIe 4.0
Integrated GPUIntel UHD 630None
Cooler IncludedNoYes – Wraith Prism RGB

Also Read About Intel Core Ultra 5 125H vs 135H Mobile CPU Specs

The final judgment

  • The Intel i9-9900K is great for gamers who don’t mind a separate cooler and powerful single-core performance.
  • Ryzen 9 3900X delivers multi-core performance, productivity, and value.

Both work and play, but Ryzen 9 3900X multitasks better. At 1080p, the i9-9900K is good for gaming.

agarapuramesh
agarapurameshhttps://govindhtech.com
Agarapu Ramesh was founder of the Govindhtech and Computer Hardware enthusiast. He interested in writing Technews articles. Working as an Editor of Govindhtech for one Year and previously working as a Computer Assembling Technician in G Traders from 2018 in India. His Education Qualification MSc.
RELATED ARTICLES

Page Content

Recent Posts

Index