Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
64C/128T · 4.3 GHz · 280 W TDP · sTRX4 · PassMark #90
Core i5-14600K
Raptor Lake Refresh · 14C · 5.3 GHz · $319
Core i5-14600K takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Ryzen Threadripper 3990X lands at 44 and Core i5-14600K at 87. That puts Core i5-14600K ahead by 43 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Ryzen Threadripper 3990X if…
- ✓PassMark #90 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- ✓HEDT platform with abundant PCIe and memory lanes
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $2,997
Pick Core i5-14600K if…
- ✓Strong gaming performance
- ✓Good productivity for price
- ✓DDR4 and DDR5 compatible
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Core i5-14600KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core i5-14600K more score per dollar ($319 vs $2,997).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 64 | 14 (6P+8E) |
| Threads | ▲ 128 | 20 |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | — |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| L3 cache | 256 MB | — |
| TDP | 280 W | 125 W |
| Socket | sTRX4 | LGA1700 |
| Class | Desktop | — |
| PassMark rank | #90 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 79,684 | — |
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
- +PassMark #90 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +HEDT platform with abundant PCIe and memory lanes
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $2,997
- −HEDT motherboards and cooling raise total platform cost
Core i5-14600K
- +Strong gaming performance
- +Good productivity for price
- +DDR4 and DDR5 compatible
- −Last-gen LGA1700 socket
- −Power hungry under load
- −No AI instructions
FAQ: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Core i5-14600K
Which is better, Ryzen Threadripper 3990X or Core i5-14600K? +
Core i5-14600K scores 87 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 43. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Ryzen Threadripper 3990X worth the price? +
At $2,997, Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers a Specdex score of 44 — strongest in passmark.
Is Core i5-14600K worth the price? +
At $319, Core i5-14600K delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in gaming.
Does Ryzen Threadripper 3990X or Core i5-14600K 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, Ryzen Threadripper 3990X or Core i5-14600K? +
Core i5-14600K — more score per dollar ($319 vs $2,997). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.