M3 Ultra vs Ryzen 9 9900X
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | M3 Ultra | Ryzen 9 9900X | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 133 | 137 | -2.9% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 2,753 | 1,810 | +52.1% |
| Cores | 32 (24P+8E) | 12 | — |
| TDP (base W) | 140 | 120 | — |
- M3 Ultra is slower than Ryzen 9 9900X by 2.9% in single-core and faster by 52.1% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Ryzen 9 9900X draws less power (120W vs 140W base TDP).
Verdict: M3 Ultra or Ryzen 9 9900X?
M3 Ultra advantages
- Multi-core speed (+34%)
Ryzen 9 9900X advantages
- Power efficiency (+14%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the M3 Ultra if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
- Choose the Ryzen 9 9900X if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
M3 Ultra vs Ryzen 9 9900X: which should you choose?
M3 Ultra — 32-core Apple processor (24P+8E) scoring 133 single-core and 2753 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 140 W TDP.
Ryzen 9 9900X — 12-core AMD processor scoring 137 single-core and 1810 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 120 W TDP and 64 MB L3 cache.
M3 Ultra vs Ryzen 9 9900X: M3 Ultra leads in multi-core performance. M3 Ultra is slower than Ryzen 9 9900X by 2.9% in single-core and faster by 52.1% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Ryzen 9 9900X draws less power (120W vs 140W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The Ryzen 9 9900X leads there with a single-core score of 137 versus 133, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M3 Ultra is stronger, posting 2,753 multi-core against 1,810 in Cinebench 2024. Its 32 cores (24 performance + 8 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Ryzen 9 9900X is the more efficient chip at 120 W versus 140 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the M3 Ultra better than the Ryzen 9 9900X?
M3 Ultra takes the overall edge, though Ryzen 9 9900X wins in specific areas worth weighing. M3 Ultra is slower than Ryzen 9 9900X by 2.9% in single-core and faster by 52.1% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the M3 Ultra and the Ryzen 9 9900X?
M3 Ultra is slower than Ryzen 9 9900X by 2.9% in single-core and faster by 52.1% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Ryzen 9 9900X draws less power (120W vs 140W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the M3 Ultra if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking. Choose the Ryzen 9 9900X if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.