Intel Core i7-8700K vs AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-8700K | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 61/100 | 61/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Cores | 6 | 12 |
| Threads | 12 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 105 W |
| Release year | 2017 | 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 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-8700K runs 10W 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.