Comparison: intel core i9 7900x vs amd ryzen 7 1800x

After the arrival of the new Skylake-X processors, it is time to make a comparison with the AMD Ryzen 7 that arrived on the market a few months ago. Specifically, we are going to compare the Intel Core i9 7900X with the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X to see the differences between the two and which is the most convenient to buy. We have tested with CPU intensive applications and games to have the most realistic evaluation possible.

Intel Core i9 7900X vs AMD Ryzen 7 1800X: features

Intel Core i9 7900X is a powerful processor based on the Skylake architecture and with a total of 10 cores and 20 processing threads, its characteristics continue with 13.75 MB of L3 cache memory and operating frequencies of 3.3 GHz in base mode and 4.5 GHz maximum turbo frequency. We continue with a DDR4 Quad Chanel memory controller and a TDP of 140W. This processor offers us no less than 44 PCI Express lanes to be able to use to its maximum potential various graphics cards and various NVMe SSDs.

On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 1800X is based on the new Zen architecture and offers us a configuration of 8 cores and 16 processing threads at clock frequencies of 3.6 GHz in base mode and 4 GHz in turbo mode. Its features continue with a Dual Chanel memory controller, 16 MB of L3 cache and a 95W TDP that makes it very energy efficient. The AMD processor complies with 24 PCI Express lanes making it much more limited when mounting multi-GPU systems and with multiple NVMe SSDs.

Application performance

Gaming performance

The tests in games have been done with a GeForce GTX 1080 Founders Edition and with the graphic adjustments in ultra. We have omitted 1080p resolution because these processors are not focused on it.

Final words and conclusion about Intel Core i9 7900X vs AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

As we have seen, the Core i9 7900X is a more powerful processor than the Ryzen 7 1800X, it is not in vain that it offers two cores and four extra threads compared to the AMD solution, also its Skylake architecture offers a better performance per MHz and core. that Zen although the difference is not very big in this sense. In any case, the maximum difference is approximately 25-30%.

As for games we see that the differences are not very bulky and they are further reduced as the resolution is increased to the point that at 4K they both perform the same, these processors are focused on gaming at 4K and there the graphics card is the one that makes the real difference.

Once we are clear which of the two processors is more powerful, it is time to look at other factors that are even more important. The Core i9 7900X corresponds to Intel's HEDT platform, which means that we are going to need a motherboard that will be difficult to find for less than 300 euros. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 1800X is from AMD's mainstream platform and we can put it on motherboards of about 100 euros or even less.

To this is added the cost of the processors themselves, the Intel Core i9 7900X has an official price of $ 999, so in Spain it is very likely that it will exceed 1, 000 euros, a price much higher than the 529 euros that the Ryzen costs approximately. 7 1800X.

If we take into account we see that the Core i9 7900X plus a motherboard easily leaves us at 1300 euros or even more, a combo of Ryzen 7 1800X plus a motherboard can come out for 700 euros or even less depending on the range of the motherboard that we choose. It is clear that the Intel option is much more expensive since it costs us almost double for approximately 25% higher performance.

Our conclusion is that the AMD option offers a much better balance between price and performance and is much more recommended, unless you really need that extra power of the i9 7900X or you are going to clearly benefit from the PCI Express lanes that it offers you. plus. In any case, let's not lose sight of the fact that the true rival of this Core i9 7900X is the AMD Threadripper processors, which are AMD's HEDT platform and will supposedly arrive in July, with up to 16 physical cores and no less than 48 PCI lanes. Express in all its models.