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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against desktop processors at a similar price

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D scores 7.0/10 overall, ahead of the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus at 6.5/10.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on single-core performance, efficiency and platform.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus leads on integrated graphics.

They score the same on multi-core performance.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

7.0/10verdict: buy

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is for people who want one AM5 desktop to handle heavy multi-threaded work and high-end gaming. It suits builders who value 16 cores and 5.7 GHz boost clocks more than low running costs. Buyers focused on gaming alone, or on a frugal always-on server, have better-matched options.

Typically about £529.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

6.5/10verdict: buy

The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is for builders who want many cores for compiling, VMs and rendering on a desktop budget. It also suits media server owners who value HEVC hardware encoding from the integrated graphics. It is a poorer fit for always-on machines where idle power matters, or for gaming-first builds.

Typically about £273.59 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DIntel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus
Multi-core performance25%9/109/10
Single-core performance20%9/107/10
Efficiency20%4/103/10
Platform20%7/106/10
Integrated graphics15%5/107/10
Overall7.0/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecAMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DIntel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus
Cores / threads16 cores / 32 threads24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores), 24 threads
Base / boost clock4.3 GHz base, up to 5.7 GHz boostP-core base 3.7 GHz, E-core base 3.2 GHz; max turbo 5.5 GHz (P-core 5.4 GHz, E-core 4.7 GHz)
SocketAM5LGA 1851
TDP170WProcessor Base Power 125 W; Maximum Turbo Power 250 W
Cache144 MB36 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3); 40 MB total L2
Integrated graphicsnot listedIntel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, max dynamic frequency 2 GHz; HEVC hardware encode/decode; AV1 hardware encode not confirmed
Memory supportDual-channel DDR5, 192 GB maximumMax 256 GB; up to DDR5 7200 MT/s; 2 memory channels; ECC supported

Strengths and weaknesses

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

  • + 16 cores and 32 threads for compiling, VMs and rendering
  • + Up to 5.7 GHz boost with 144 MB of cache
  • + Strong gaming performance from 3D V-Cache
  • − Higher power draw, heat and idle consumption than the 9800X3D
  • − Only 8 of 16 cores can access the V-Cache
  • − Gaming gain over cheaper X3D chips is modest

Skip it if:

  • Gamers who want X3D performance without paying for 16 cores
  • Homelabbers building a low-power, always-on server
  • Buyers who want predictable game scheduling on the V-Cache cores
Read the full AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D review ›

Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus

  • + 24 cores and 24 threads for compiling and VMs
  • + Reviewers praised its price-to-performance
  • + ECC support listed, plus HEVC hardware encode and decode
  • − Highest idle power in Tom's Hardware's test pool
  • − Reviewers report heat and high power draw
  • − Gaming trails AMD X3D chips, per reviewers

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers building a low-power, always-on server
  • Gamers who want the fastest gaming chip, such as an AMD X3D part
  • Anyone who needs confirmed AV1 hardware encoding
Read the full Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus review ›

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