Intel Core i7-9700 vs AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.

Dead heat — both processors score 61/100
Specification Intel Core i7-9700 AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Gaming score 61/100 61/100
Tier C C
Manufacturer Intel AMD
Cores 8 12
Threads 8 24
Base clock 3 GHz 3.8 GHz
Boost clock 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz
Power draw (TDP) 65 W 105 W
Release year 2019 2019

Which should you buy?

Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X has more cores (12 vs 8), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-9700 runs 40W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.