AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Intel Core i3-8109U

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a 64-core (128-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2020 with a suggested retail price of $3,990. It is part of AMD's Ryzen Threadripper lineup, which is based on the Zen 2 microarchitecture. The Threadripper 3990X is compatible with AMD Socket TRX4 motherboards and is fabricated on TSMC's 7 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X supports DDR4 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 512 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 256 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X features 64 total cores which can process 128 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.9 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.3 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q2 2018. It is part of Intel's Core i3 lineup, which is based on the Kaby Lake-U Refresh microarchitecture. The i3-8109U is compatible with Intel BGA 1356 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the Iris Pro Plus integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i3-8109U supports DDR4 memory. In terms of cache, the Core i3-8109U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 4 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i3-8109U features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.0 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.6 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i3-8109U includes an integrated graphics solution called Iris Pro Plus. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i3-8109U has the 475th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 791 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 12.86% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X.