The Ultimate Showdown: AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX vs Intel Core i9 9900KS – What You Need to Know!

The world of CPUs is a constant battleground, with AMD and Intel vying for dominance in various segments. Today, we’re diving into the high-performance workstation arena, pitting the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX against the Intel Core i9 9900KS. These processors represent the pinnacle of their respective companies’ offerings for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific computing.
This head-to-head comparison will explore the key features, performance benchmarks, and pricing of each CPU, helping you determine which one reigns supreme for your specific needs.

Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX: The Powerhouse of Productivity

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX is a true beast, boasting a staggering 96 cores and 192 threads. This makes it the most powerful workstation CPU on the market, capable of handling even the most demanding workloads with ease. The processor is built on the Zen 4 architecture, offering significant performance gains over its predecessors.
Key Features:

• 96 Cores, 192 Threads: Unparalleled multi-threading capabilities for demanding tasks.
• Zen 4 Architecture: Delivers significant performance improvements in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.
• High Clock Speeds: Up to 4.5 GHz boost clock speeds provide fast performance for single-threaded applications.
• Large L3 Cache: 128MB of L3 cache ensures fast data access for improved performance.
• Support for DDR5 Memory: Supports the latest DDR5 memory technology for increased bandwidth and lower latency.
• Integrated Radeon Graphics: Provides basic display capabilities for system setup and troubleshooting.
• PCIe 5.0 Support: Offers high bandwidth for peripherals and storage devices.

Intel Core i9 9900KS: The Veteran Challenger

The Intel Core i9 9900KS, while released in 2019, remains a formidable contender in the high-end CPU market. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a slightly higher boost clock speed than the 7955WX. However, it lacks the sheer core count and advanced features of the Ryzen Threadripper Pro.
Key Features:

• 8 Cores, 16 Threads: Provides strong performance for multi-threaded workloads, but falls short of the 7955WX.
• Coffee Lake Refresh Architecture: Mature architecture with decent performance, but not as advanced as Zen 4.
• High Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.0 GHz boost clock speed for single-threaded applications.
• 16MB L3 Cache: Smaller L3 cache compared to the 7955WX.
• Support for DDR4 Memory: Supports the previous generation DDR4 memory, offering lower bandwidth than DDR5.
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630: Provides basic display capabilities for system setup and troubleshooting.
• PCIe 3.0 Support: Offers lower bandwidth for peripherals and storage devices compared to PCIe 5.0.

Performance Comparison: A Tale of Two Titans

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX clearly dominates in multi-threaded workloads. Its sheer core count and advanced architecture give it a significant edge in tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations.
However, the Intel Core i9 9900KS holds its ground in single-threaded performance. Its higher boost clock speed allows it to excel in tasks that rely heavily on single-core performance, such as gaming.
Here’s a breakdown of the performance differences:

• Multi-threaded Performance: The 7955WX outperforms the 9900KS by a significant margin. Its 96 cores and 192 threads provide unparalleled parallel processing power.
• Single-threaded Performance: The 9900KS edges out the 7955WX due to its higher boost clock speed. However, the difference is not substantial and the 7955WX is still very capable in single-threaded applications.
• Power Consumption: The 7955WX consumes more power due to its higher core count and advanced architecture. However, it still offers excellent power efficiency for its performance level.
• Memory Bandwidth: The 7955WX benefits from DDR5 memory support, providing higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to the 9900KS’s DDR4 support.

Pricing and Availability: A Balancing Act

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX is priced significantly higher than the Intel Core i9 9900KS. This is due to its advanced architecture, higher core count, and the overall higher demand for high-performance workstation CPUs.
However, the 7955WX offers unparalleled performance and future-proofing capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals who rely on their workstations for demanding tasks.
The 9900KS, while older, is still available at a more affordable price point. It may be a suitable option for users who require high single-threaded performance but don’t need the extreme multi-threading capabilities of the 7955WX.

Choosing the Right CPU: A Matter of Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX and the Intel Core i9 9900KS depends on your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a summary of who each CPU is best suited for:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX: Ideal for professionals who require extreme multi-threading performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, scientific computing, and software development.
• Intel Core i9 9900KS: A good choice for users who prioritize single-threaded performance, such as gamers or content creators who prefer high frame rates in games. It is also a more budget-friendly option compared to the 7955WX.

The Final Verdict: A Champion for Every Need

Both the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX and the Intel Core i9 9900KS are exceptional CPUs that offer top-tier performance. The 7955WX excels in multi-threaded workloads, making it the undisputed champion for demanding workstation tasks. The 9900KS, while older, still delivers powerful single-threaded performance at a more affordable price point.
The choice between these titans comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you need the ultimate workstation power, the 7955WX is the clear winner. But if you prioritize single-threaded performance and affordability, the 9900KS remains a formidable contender.

Information You Need to Know

1. What are the main differences between the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7955WX and the Intel Core i9 9900KS?
The 7955WX boasts 96 cores and 192 threads, while the 9900KS has 8 cores and 16 threads. This makes the 7955WX significantly better for multi-threaded workloads. The 9900KS has a slightly higher boost clock speed, giving it a slight edge in single-threaded performance. The 7955WX also supports DDR5 memory, offering higher bandwidth and lower latency.
2. Which CPU is better for gaming?
The 9900KS is slightly better for gaming due to its higher boost clock speed, which benefits single-threaded performance. However, the 7955WX is still capable of providing smooth gaming experiences, especially at lower resolutions and with less demanding graphics settings.
3. Which CPU is better for video editing?
The 7955WX is a much better choice for video editing due to its superior multi-threading capabilities. It can handle complex video editing tasks, including rendering, color grading, and effects, much faster than the 9900KS.
4. Which CPU is better for 3D rendering?
The 7955WX is the clear winner for 3D rendering. Its massive core count and advanced architecture allow it to render complex 3D scenes significantly faster than the 9900KS.
5. Which CPU is more power efficient?
The 7955WX consumes more power due to its higher core count and advanced architecture. However, it still offers excellent power efficiency for its performance level. The 9900KS is more power-efficient due to its lower core count and older architecture.