Core i9 CPUs are some of the beefiest CPUs that Intel offers. Essentially, the AMD equivalent to Core i9 is the Ryzen 9 processor, just like the rest of the series. These workstation-grade CPUs offer 16 cores and 32 threads and are intended chiefly for professional builds.
Regarding performance, the Core i9 and Ryzen 9 are located in the upper echelons of the CPU performance hierarchy.
Suppose it is sheer CPU performance you are looking for, perhaps for a professional video editing rig, data science, or even for an enthusiast-grade gaming+streaming build. In that case, Intel Core i9 or Ryzen 9 is the answer.
However, given their cost, they are generally not intended for an average joe. In many cases, an Intel Core i9 or an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU can cost as much as an entire low-grade PC.
In this article, I will explain what AMD is equivalent to Intel Core i9s.
Of course, when comparing the performance, I will rely on benchmarks such as the Passmark.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is AMD Equivalent to Core i9?
The direct AMD equivalent to the Intel Core i9 is AMD Ryzen 9.
This line of CPUs features the flagship processors from their respective brands.
Despite Intel Core i9 and Ryzen 9 CPUs being highly advanced and expensive, they are NOT the most potent commercial CPUs.
With Intel, X series processors are the most powerful CPUs (for commercial use). For AMD, the Ryzen Threadripper holds the title.
While the X series and Threadripper are full-fledged workstation-grade CPUs, the Core i9 and Ryzen 9 are excellent light workstation CPUs.
Characteristics of AMD Ryzen 9 Processors
All of the Ryzen 9 CPUs for desktops share some characteristics. These are as follows:
- The desktop variants come in two configurations, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 16 cores and 32 threads
- They are all overclockable
- They all feature 24 PCIe lanes conforming to Version 4.0
- They Support DDR4 RAM
- They DO NOT feature an integrated graphics card
AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Ryzen 9 CPUs
The most current AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs come from the 5000 series and will be released by the end of 2020.
The following are some of the top of the line Ryzen 9 CPUs for desktops and laptops:
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: The most powerful Ryzen 9 CPU available. Offers 16 cores and 32 threads with a 3.4 – 4.9 GHz clock speed
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900X: Weaker desktop variant with 12 cores and 24 threads. Offers a 3.7-4.8 GHz clock speed
- AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX: The most powerful Ryzen 9 CPU for laptops. Offers eight cores and 16 threads with a 3.3 – 4.8 GHz clock speed
Characteristics of Intel Core i9 Processors
Intel Core i9 CPUs, much like the AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs, are aimed at users seeking high performance or for those seeking to build light workstations.
Typically if you take the older 10th and 11th generations, the Intel Core i9 features 8-10 cores with hyperthreading enabled.
However, the configuration has changed drastically with the recent 12th generation and hybrid technology.
12th Gen Core i9 CPUs
The following are the characteristics of the 12th Gen Intel processors.
- Desktop variants feature eight performance cores and eight efficient cores—24 threads.
- Laptop variants feature six performance cores and eight efficient cores—20 threads.
- Only the processors with the “K” suffix are overclockable
- They support DDR5 RAM
- Offer 20 PCIe lanes with support for PCIe version 5.0
The following are some of the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 12th Gen CPUs.
- Intel Core i9 12900KS: Most powerful Core i9 CPU with eight performance cores, eight efficient cores, 24 threads, and up to 5.3 GHz clock speed.
- Intel Core i9 12900: Not an overclockable base variant of the Core i9 12th-gen series.
- Intel Core i9 12900HK: Most powerful Core i9 CPU for laptops with six performance cores, eight efficient cores, and up to 5.0 GHz clock speed.
Also Read: Can I Replace My AMD Processor with an Intel Processor?
Benchmark Results and Comparison
The most powerful Intel Core i9 CPUs come from the 12th generation. These are also much more powerful than what the AMD Ryzen 9 series offers in its current age.
This brings me to an important point:
Parity in Generation When Comparing
Before I delve deeper into the topic, it is worth noting that both Intel and AMD CPUs have generation-based CPU lines.
Each new generation is far more advanced compared to its predecessor.
The latest Intel generation is the 12th, released in Q1 2022. The latest AMD Ryzen series is the 5000 series, released in Q4 2020.
Hence, comparing two CPUs, there has been parity in a generation. For instance, it would be unwise to reach an old 7th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU released in 2017 with 5000 series Ryzen 9 CPU released in 2020.
Similarly, it is unwise to directly compare the 12th Gen Intel Core i9 with the Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series.
For a head-to-head comparison, AMD Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series can be compared with Intel 11th Gen Core i9 CPUs.
For a direct performance comparison with the newer Intel 12th Gen i9 CPUs, you must wait for newer Gen AMD Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs just around the corner.
Intel Core i9 and Ryzen 9 CPU Scores
The following table compares the desktop and laptop grade Intel Core i9 and Ryzen 9 CPUs using the Passmark scores.
| Product | Type | Passmark Score | Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | Desktop | 32761 | 12/24 (C/T) 3.80 GHZ – 4.60 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Desktop | 39470 | 12/24 (C/T) 3.00 GHZ – 4.70 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | Desktop | 46214 | 16/32 (C/T) 3.40 GHZ – 4.90 GHz |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX | Laptop | 23253 | 8/16 (C/T) 3.30 GHZ – 4.80 GHz |
| Intel Core i9 12900KS | Desktop | 43955 | – 8 Performance – 8 Efficient – 24 Threads upto 5.3 GHz |
| Intel Core i9 12900HK | Laptop | 29951 | – 6 Performance – 8 Efficient – 20 Threads upto 5.0 GHz |
| Intel Core i9-11900K | Desktop | 25553 | 8/16 (C/T) 3.20 GHZ – 4.40 GHz |
One of the interesting results you can see here is that despite Intel Core 12th generation CPUs being more powerful across the board compared to AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, as far as the Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9 goes, AMD Ryzen 5000 series still has the upper hand.
You can see how the Ryzen 9 5950X beats the Intel Core i9 12900KS in the benchmark scores despite it being much older (46214 vs. 43955 points ).
We can only imagine from here what the newer Zen 4-based Ryzen CPUs will bring to the fore.
However, as far as the laptop-based variants go, the 12th generation Intel Core i9 12900HK is much more powerful than the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX (29951 vs. 23253 points).
Final Words
So long story short, the simple answer to the question “what is AMD equivalent to Core i9?” is AMD Ryzen 9.
However, if you want to draw an exact performance comparison between two processors, considering the processor generation is always a good idea.
Also, it is always wise to use benchmarks to gauge and compare the performance of processors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can the AMD Ryzen 9 be used for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing?
The AMD Ryzen 9 is a powerful processor suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. It offers high clock speeds, multiple cores and threads, and advanced features like simultaneous multithreading (SMT) for improved multitasking.
2. Which one is more energy-efficient: the AMD Ryzen 9 or the Intel Core i9?
The AMD Ryzen 9 processor is generally more energy-efficient than the Intel Core i9. It uses less power and generates less heat, making it a good choice for high-performance computing applications where power consumption is a concern.
3. What are the advantages of choosing an AMD processor over an Intel processor?
Choosing an AMD processor over an Intel processor has several advantages. AMD processors are generally less expensive than comparable Intel processors, while still offering high performance and advanced features.
Additionally, AMD processors are often more power-efficient and can offer better value for money. Finally, AMD processors are known for their compatibility with a wide range of motherboards, making them a versatile choice for system builders and DIY enthusiasts.
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