Core Ultra 7 265KF
20C/20T · 5.5 GHz · 125 W · PassMark #185
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Zen 5 · 16C/32T · 3D V-Cache · AM5
Ryzen 9 9950X3D takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core Ultra 7 265KF lands at 32 and Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 96. That puts Ryzen 9 9950X3D ahead by 64 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Core Ultra 7 265KF if…
- ✓PassMark #185 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- ✓Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $298
Pick Ryzen 9 9950X3D if…
- ✓16C productivity + 3D V-Cache on gaming CCD
- ✓Lower power than Intel 14900K
- ✓Overclockable unlike prior X3D parts
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Ryzen 9 9950X3DSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Ryzen 9 9950X3D more score per dollar ($699 vs $298).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core Ultra 7 265KF | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 20 (8P + 12E) | 16 (16C/32T; only one CCD carries 3D V-Cache) |
| Threads | 20 | ▲ 32 |
| Base clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.5 GHz | 5.7 GHz |
| L3 cache | 30 MB | ▲ 128 MB (96 MB stacked + 32 MB) |
| TDP | 125 W base / 250 W turbo | 170 W |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | AM5 |
| Class | Desktop (no integrated graphics) | — |
| PassMark rank | #185 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 58,561 | — |
| Process | — | TSMC 4 nm |
| iGPU | — | Radeon Graphics (RDNA 2, 2 CUs) |
| Memory | — | DDR5-5600 |
Core Ultra 7 265KF
- +PassMark #185 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $298
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- +16C productivity + 3D V-Cache on gaming CCD
- +Lower power than Intel 14900K
- +Overclockable unlike prior X3D parts
- −$699 premium pricing
- −Only one CCD has the stacked cache
- −X870E motherboard recommended
FAQ: Core Ultra 7 265KF vs Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Which is better, Core Ultra 7 265KF or Ryzen 9 9950X3D? +
Ryzen 9 9950X3D scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 64. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core Ultra 7 265KF worth the price? +
At $298, Core Ultra 7 265KF delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Is Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth the price? +
At $699, Ryzen 9 9950X3D delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in gaming.
Does Core Ultra 7 265KF or Ryzen 9 9950X3D last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Core Ultra 7 265KF or Ryzen 9 9950X3D? +
Ryzen 9 9950X3D — more score per dollar ($699 vs $298). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.