i7-9700K vs Ryzen 9 3950X
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i7-9700K (2018) and the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (2019).
i7-9700K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Higher boost clock (4.9 vs 4.7 GHz)
- ✓ Has integrated graphics
- ✓ Lower power draw (95 W vs 105 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($374 vs $749)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
Ryzen 9 3950X
AMD Entry-level
- ✓ ~4% faster on average
- ✓ More cores (16 vs 8)
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB)
- ✓ Newer (2019 vs 2018)
Verdict: The Ryzen 9 3950X is around 4% faster than the i7-9700K on average — a modest edge you may notice in demanding titles, but not a generational leap.
Note they use different platforms (AM4 vs LGA1151), so this is a motherboard decision too, not just a CPU swap.
At launch pricing, the i7-9700K offers more performance per dollar, and the i7-9700K is the more power-efficient chip.
Estimated performance
Estimated average 1080p gaming performance compiled from publicly available benchmark data. Individual games vary.
Specs side by side
| Specification | i7-9700K | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Coffee Lake Refresh | Zen 2 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| Release year | 2018 | 2019 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD 630 | None |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryzen 9 3950X better than the i7-9700K?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the Ryzen 9 3950X is about 4% faster than the i7-9700K on average.
How much faster is the Ryzen 9 3950X than the i7-9700K?
Roughly 4% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the i7-9700K delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.