Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Panther Lake · 26C · 6.0 GHz
Threadripper 7980X
Zen 4 · 64C/128T · sTR5
Threadripper 7980X takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K lands at 93 and Threadripper 7980X at 95. That puts Threadripper 7980X ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Intel Core Ultra 9 395K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Pick Threadripper 7980X if…
- ✓Massive core counts
- ✓ECC memory support
- ✓Workstation/server-grade platform
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on gaming (94 vs 75).
Creators & productivity
Threadripper 7980XRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Threadripper 7980X leads on multi (95 vs 93).
Power efficiency
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KPerformance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on efficiency (86 vs 78).
Value for money
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K more score per dollar ($649 vs $4,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Intel Core Ultra 9 395K | Threadripper 7980X |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Panther Lake | Zen 4 |
| Cores | 26 (8P+16E+2LP) | ▲ 64 |
| Threads | 26 | ▲ 128 |
| Socket | LGA1851 | sTR5 |
| Release year | 2025 | 2023 |
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
Threadripper 7980X
- +Massive core counts
- +ECC memory support
- +Workstation/server-grade platform
- −Niche platform, limited motherboards
- −High TDP requires serious cooling
- −Premium price
FAQ: Intel Core Ultra 9 395K vs Threadripper 7980X
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Threadripper 7980X? +
Threadripper 7980X scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Intel Core Ultra 9 395K worth the price? +
At $649, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Is Threadripper 7980X worth the price? +
At $4,999, Threadripper 7980X delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in multi.
Does Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Threadripper 7980X 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 better for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Threadripper 7980X? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on gaming (94 vs 75). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.
Which is better for creator and productivity work, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Threadripper 7980X? +
Threadripper 7980X — leads on multi (95 vs 93). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.