Core i5-14600 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

CPU

GPU

Core i5-14600

14 Cores20 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2024

Core family

·······

Buy on Amazon

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

··

Buy on Amazon

Core i5-14600 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

Core i5-14600

14 / 20

32,319

+1.2%

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 / 64

31,945

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-14600 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-14600 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-14600

2024

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $1,544 less on MSRP ($255 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Delivers 613.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 126.7 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($255 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (31,945 vs 32,319).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 126.7 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $255 MSRP).
❌284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i5-14600 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-14600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14600 better than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-14600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-14600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-14600 is the better buy right now. Core i5-14600 comes in $1,544 cheaper on MSRP at $255 MSRP versus $1,799 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 12.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 613.7% better value on MSRP (126.7 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-14600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of TR4, and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-14600 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-14600

The Core i5-14600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 32,319 points. Launch price was $255.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-14600 packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i5-14600 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-14600 uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14600 scores 32,319 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-14600. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14600 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Feature	Core i5-14600	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	32 / 64+129%
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+24%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	64 MB+167%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+25500%
Process	Intel 7 nm-42%	12 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	32,319+1%	31,945
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	33,213
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	7,612

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14600 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-14600 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core i5-14600 supports 90.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 966.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-14600) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-14600) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-14600	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket	LGA1700	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600+91%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	2048 GB+967%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14600) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). The Core i5-14600 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14600 targets Desktop, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

Feature	Core i5-14600	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Desktop	Extreme Content Creation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14600 was priced at $255, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($255 vs $1799), Core i5-14600 was $1544 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14600 delivers 126.7 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core i5-14600 the 150.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-14600	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP	$255-86%	$1799
Performance per Dollar	126.7+612%	17.8
Release Date	2024	2018

Search Core i5-14600 on Amazon

Search Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.