What To Know
- The Threadripper Pro 7985WX comes equipped with a whopping 96 MB of L3 cache, while the 13980HX features a smaller 36 MB of L3 cache.
- This is evident in applications like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations, where the Threadripper Pro 7985WX’s higher thread count and larger cache size provide a significant advantage.
- The 13980HX, while still a powerful processor, offers a more budget-friendly option for users who prioritize portability and don’t require the extreme multi-threading capabilities of the Threadripper Pro.
Choosing the right CPU for your workstation or high-performance laptop can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each processor to find the best fit for your specific needs. Today, we’ll be diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two titans of the CPU world: the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX and the Intel Core i9 13980HX.
A Glimpse into the Contenders
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX is a powerhouse aimed at professionals and creators demanding extreme performance. This 24-core, 48-thread beast boasts a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.2 GHz. Built on the Zen 4 architecture, this processor is designed to tackle demanding workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations with ease.
On the other side of the ring, we have the Intel Core i9 13980HX. This 24-core, 32-thread behemoth is a mobile powerhouse, designed to bring desktop-level performance to laptops. Featuring a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a boost clock of 5.2 GHz, the 13980HX utilizes Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake architecture, known for its impressive performance gains.
Core Count and Thread Count: A Tale of Two Numbers
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX and the Intel Core i9 13980HX both boast 24 cores. However, the Threadripper Pro 7985WX takes the lead with 48 threads, thanks to its simultaneous multithreading (SMT) technology. This means it can handle more tasks concurrently, making it a clear winner for multi-threaded workloads. The 13980HX, with its 32 threads, is still a formidable performer, but it falls slightly behind in situations demanding high parallel processing.
Clock Speeds: A Race Against Time
While the Threadripper Pro 7985WX offers a slightly higher boost clock of 4.2 GHz, the 13980HX takes the crown with a peak boost clock of 5.2 GHz. This higher clock speed translates to faster performance in single-threaded applications, giving the 13980HX an edge in tasks like gaming and software development.
Architecture: Zen 4 vs. Raptor Lake
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX utilizes the cutting-edge Zen 4 architecture, known for its improved performance and efficiency. This architecture boasts a significant leap in IPC (Instructions Per Clock), leading to faster processing speeds even at lower clock frequencies. The Intel Core i9 13980HX, on the other hand, utilizes the Raptor Lake architecture, building upon the previous generation with refinements to performance and power consumption.
Cache: A Buffer for Speed
Both processors offer ample cache to store frequently accessed data, improving performance. The Threadripper Pro 7985WX comes equipped with a whopping 96 MB of L3 cache, while the 13980HX features a smaller 36 MB of L3 cache. This substantial difference in cache size gives the Threadripper Pro 7985WX a significant advantage in handling large datasets and complex tasks.
Power Consumption: The Energy Factor
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX is a power-hungry beast, with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 280W. This high power consumption can lead to increased heat generation and potentially require more robust cooling solutions. The Intel Core i9 13980HX, on the other hand, has a TDP of 55W, making it much more energy-efficient and suitable for portable devices.
Performance: Putting the Processors to the Test
In real-world benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX consistently outperforms the Intel Core i9 13980HX in multi-threaded workloads. This is evident in applications like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations, where the Threadripper Pro 7985WX’s higher thread count and larger cache size provide a significant advantage. In single-threaded tasks, however, the 13980HX’s higher clock speed gives it a slight edge.
Price: The Bottom Line
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX is priced significantly higher than the Intel Core i9 13980HX. This price difference reflects the Threadripper Pro’s superior performance and features, aimed at professional users with demanding workloads. The 13980HX, while still a powerful processor, offers a more budget-friendly option for users who prioritize portability and don’t require the extreme multi-threading capabilities of the Threadripper Pro.
Final Thoughts: A Decision Based on Your Needs
Choosing between the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX and the Intel Core i9 13980HX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require the ultimate multi-threading performance for professional workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, or scientific simulations, the Threadripper Pro 7985WX is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize portability and require excellent performance in single-threaded tasks, the 13980HX offers a more balanced and budget-friendly option.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: While both CPUs are capable of handling most modern games, the Intel Core i9 13980HX has a slight edge in gaming due to its higher clock speed. However, the difference in gaming performance is likely to be minimal, especially with high-end graphics cards.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX is the better choice for video editing due to its higher thread count and larger cache. This allows it to handle complex editing tasks and render videos much faster than the 13980HX.
Q: Which CPU is better for 3D rendering?
A: Similar to video editing, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX excels in 3D rendering. Its massive thread count and cache size enable it to render scenes significantly faster than the 13980HX.
Q: Which CPU is more energy-efficient?
A: The Intel Core i9 13980HX is significantly more energy-efficient than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX. This is due to its lower TDP and optimized architecture.
Q: Which CPU is better for general productivity tasks?
A: Both CPUs are capable of handling general productivity tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office applications. However, the Threadripper Pro 7985WX may be overkill for these tasks, as its performance advantage is more pronounced in demanding workloads.