Intel Core i7-6950X vs AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
The Ryzen 9 3950X has 28% better performance than the Core i7-6950X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Ryzen 9 3950X has 195% better value for the money than the Core i7-6950X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
Summary
About the Intel Core i7-6950X CPU
The Intel Core i7-6950X is an end-of-life 10-core (20-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q2 2016 with a suggested retail price of $1,723. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Broadwell-E microarchitecture. The i7-6950X is compatible with Intel Socket 2011-3 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-6950X supports DDR4 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-6950X 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 25 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-6950X features 10 total cores which can process 20 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 3.5 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 Core i7-6950X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.
Benchmark Performance & Value
The Core i7-6950X has the 113th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 44.34% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 16,403 score and $1,723 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 9.52. This is the 200th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
About the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X CPU
The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a 16-core (32-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2019 with a suggested retail price of $749. It is part of AMD's Ryzen 9 lineup, which is based on the Zen 2 microarchitecture. The 3950X is compatible with AMD Socket AM4 motherboards and is fabricated on TSMC's 7 nm manufacturing process.
Memory and Cache
The Ryzen 9 3950X supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen 9 3950X 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 64 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Ryzen 9 3950X features 16 total cores which can process 32 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.5 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.7 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 9 3950X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.
Benchmark Performance & Value
The Ryzen 9 3950X has the 63rd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 56.81% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 21,016 score and $749 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 28.06. This is the 126th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
General Info
General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.
| Info | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | Ryzen 9 |
| Market Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release Date | Q2 2016 | Q4 2019 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | $1,723 | $749 |
| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
The Ryzen 9 3950X has 28% better performance than the Core i7-6950X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-6950X is ranked 113th with a score of 16,403, and the Ryzen 9 3950X is ranked 63rd with a score of 21,016.
The Ryzen 9 3950X has 195% better value for the money than the Core i7-6950X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-6950X is ranked 200th with a performance per dollar of 9.52, and the Ryzen 9 3950X is ranked 126th with a performance per dollar of 28.06.
Relative Performance
The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i9-10900K | 21,935 | +34% |
| Ryzen 9 5900X | 21,043.5 | +28% |
| Ryzen 9 3950X | 21,016 | +28% |
| Core i9-11900K | 20,662 | +26% |
| Core i9-10980XE | 20,452 | +25% |
| Ryzen 9 3900 | 16,803 | +2% |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16,538 | +1% |
| Core i7-6950X | 16,403 | |
| Core i5-11600K | 16,381 | -0% |
| Core i5-11400F | 15,367 | -6% |
Relative Value For Money
The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i9-11900KB | 33.03 | +247% |
| Ryzen 9 5950X | 31.48 | +231% |
| Ryzen 9 3950X | 28.06 | +195% |
| Core i7-8086K | 27.19 | +186% |
| Core i9-10980XE | 19.01 | +100% |
| Core i9-9980XE | 9.72 | +2% |
| Core i9-9900T | 9.65 | +1% |
| Core i7-6950X | 9.52 | |
Benchmark Scores
This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
- Popular
| Benchmark | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 16,403 | 21,016 (+28.12%) |
| 3DMark Time Spy CPU | 9,697 | 12,404 (+27.92%) |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | 1,859 | 4,002 (+115.28%) |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | 155.5 | 209 (+34.41%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 8,620 | 10,881 (+26.23%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 1,321 | 1,737 (+31.49%) |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 17,418 | 38,780 (+122.64%) |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 2,338 | 2,705 (+15.7%) |
Technical Specs
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |
| Process Size | 14 nm | 7 nm |
| Transistors | 3,400 million | 7,600 million |
Architecture
CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | Ryzen 9 |
| Microarchitecture | Broadwell-E | Zen 2 |
| Codename | Broadwell-E | Matisse |
| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No | No |
Cores & Clock Speeds
Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 | 16 |
| Threads | 20 | 32 |
| Clock Speed | 3.0 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 30.0x | 35.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
Cache
CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 512 KB |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB | 64 MB |
Compatibility & Power Consumption
Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | AMD Socket AM4 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 x40 | PCIe 4.0 x24 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 140 W | 105 W |
| Package Power Tracking (PPT) | -- | 142 W |
| Tcase Max | 67 °C | 95 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i7-6950X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, Boost 3.0 | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, AVX, AVX2, BMI1, BMI2, SHA, F16C, FMA3, AMD64, EVP, AMD-V, SMAP, SMEP, SMT, Precision Boost 2, XFR 2 |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.