Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D - which should you buy?

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It’s time to break down the Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

When CPUs like the Intel Core i9 14900k are released, the whole CPU game shifts. Prices change, hardware is updated, and options for the best CPU for gaming can be reconsidered. As a result of Intel claiming the Core i9 14900k is the ‘world’s faster processer‘, we’ve decided to take a look at the Intel 14th gen specs to understand why it’s performing so impressively. To do this, we’ve pitted it against the popular AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, to see how it compares.

You might be deciding which CPU to go for by considering how well it aligns with your primary tasks, whether that’s competitive gaming, video editing, or general workloads. We aim to assist your decision by comparing the specs, price, and overall performance of both CPUs. We’ll assess everything from clock speed to TDP to help you determine the best value for your money.

So, let’s dive in! Here are the differences and similarities between Intel Core i9-14900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – Specs comparison

When putting the two CPUs tête-à-tête, it’s clear that both of them have unique strengths and designs. The Intel i9 14900K continues the legacy of its previous iteration, the i9 13900K, with innovative hybrid architecture. The AMD Ryzen 9 on the other hand is based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and comes with AMD’s 3d V-Cache.

Specification	Intel Core i9 14900K	Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Cores	8+16 (24)	16
Threads	32	32
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	4.2 GHz
Boost Clock	6.0 GHz	5.7 GHz
L2 / L3 Cache	32 / 36 MB	128 MB (L3)
TDP (PL1)	125W	120W
MSRP	$589	$600

The table indicates some similarities and some differences, which we will break down. A notable distinguishing factor is the clock speeds. The i9 14900K has a base clock of 3.2 GHz but can go up to a highly impressive 6.0 GHz boost. The 7950X3D, however, starts at a higher base of 4.2 GHz but its boost caps at 5.7 GHz.

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – Core count

The Intel Core i9 14900K features a total of 24 cores, comprising of 8 performance cores and 16 efficient cores which results in 32 threads. The numbers add up to an incredibly strong multi-core performance which, if you are seeking a CPU that can sort a high workload, is perfect. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a more straightforward 16 cores and 32 threads design.

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – Cache

One of the most standout features that separates the two CPUs is the cache memory. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D comes in hot with an impressive cache memory, particularly its L3 cache which dominates with 128 MB. In comparison, the Intel i9 14900K offers a combined L2 and L3 of 68 MB.

Essentially, the cache of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D gives it a significant edge in comparison to the lntel. In gaming environments, the infinity cache technology of the Ryzen CPU will be highly useful.

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – TDP

When pitting two CPUs against each other, the thermal and power metrics are always important to consider. The 14900K has a slightly higher thermal design power (TDP) of 125W than the Ryzen’s 120W.

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – Performance

In terms of performance, let’s take a closer look at the benchmarks of the two CPUs in gaming performance at 1080p with high settings. The Intel Core i9 14900K outperformed the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in 14 out of the 25 games tested. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D, on the other hand, outperformed in popular eSports titles.

Breaking down the statistics, the games demonstrated the 14900K’s performance relative to the 7950X3D’s, where 100% signifies equal performance. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D performed better than its Intel counterpart in games like DOTA 2 (77%) and Fortnite (82%). In contrast, the 14900K excelled in titles like Metro Exodus and Starfield, both at 123%. On average, the Intel Core i9-14900K showcased performance at 102% of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, indicating a slight advantage

Intel Core i9 14900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D – Price

In the high-performance CPU arena, cost is often a make or break. Intel Core i9-14900K’s price hovers around $589, while AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D comes in slightly higher at $600.

Considering the similar performance of these two chips, the price tags appear justifiable. Intel’s potential pricing suggests that you can enjoy enhanced performance without breaking the bank.