AMD Ryzen 9 5950X vs Intel Core i9-10940X

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Ryzen 9 5950X compared with Core i9-10940X
AMDRyzen 9 5950XIntelCore i9-10940X
Overview
ReleasedNovember 20202019
Cores and clocks
Cores16 (better)14
Threads32 (better)28
Base clock3.4 GHz3.3 GHz
Boost clock4.9 GHz (better)4.8 GHz
L3 cache64 MB (better)19.25 MB
CoresZen 3; Vermeer.Cascade Lake-X; Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier, confirmed by Intel’s exact-model family product brief.
ClocksUnlocked for overclocking; Precision Boost 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive described in AMD's launch notice.Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.80 GHz on the preferred cores; ordinary Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.60 GHz. Intel targeted November 2019 availability, and Newegg records this exact SKU first listed on 25 November 2019. A listing date alone does not establish first actual sale; conservative year precision is retained.
Cache8 MB L2; Zen 3's unified eight-core complex provides 32 MB of L3 cache per complex, as described in AMD's launch notice.19.25 MB Intel Smart Cache; Intel’s exact-model product-brief table identifies it as L3 cache.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphicsNoNo
GraphicsA separate graphics card is required.No processor graphics, explicitly confirmed by Intel’s exact-model support table.
AI engine–Intel Deep Learning Boost provides CPU inference instructions; this is not a separate NPU.
Platform
SocketAM4LGA2066
Base power105 W165 W
UnlockedYesYes
Cooler in the boxNoNo
Memory supportDDR4; up to 3200 MT/s.Up to 256 GB; four channels of DDR4-2933; 94 GB/s maximum published bandwidth; no ECC.
PCIePCIe 4.0.48 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0. The 72-lane family platform figure includes chipset lanes.
ChipsetsAMD's launch notice specifies 500-series motherboards with a BIOS update; check the motherboard CPU support list.Intel X299; LGA2066.
ProcessTSMC 7nm FinFET CPU cores.14 nm; Cascade Lake-X.
CoolerNo thermal solution included; AMD recommends liquid cooling for optimal performance. Maximum operating temperature 90°C.Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product. Intel’s support article confirms solder thermal interface material for this exact model; published junction limit 86°C.

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