Core i5-14600KF vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Intel

Core i5-14600KF

14 Cores20 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.3 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

16 Cores32 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Threadripper Pro family
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Core i5-14600KF vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX Performance Spectrum

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 i5-14600KF vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX 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 i5-14600KF vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-14600KF

2023

Why buy it

  • Costs $845 less on MSRP ($304 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
  • Delivers 266.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.2 vs 34.8 PassMark/$ ($304 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
  • Draws 125W instead of 280W, a 155W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (38,664 vs 39,929).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.0% 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: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 34.8 vs 127.2 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $304 MSRP).
  • 124% higher power demand at 280W vs 125W.
  • Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while Core i5-14600KF moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX better than Core i5-14600KF?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-14600KF is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-14600KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX comes in 278.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,149 MSRP versus $304 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-14600KF is also 266.0% better value on MSRP (127.2 vs 34.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-14600KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020) and a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of sWRX8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-14600KF vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-14600KF

The Core i5-14600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,664 points. Launch price was $294.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 39,929 points. Launch price was $1,149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-14600KF packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600KF versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — a 20.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600KF (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-14600KF uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14600KF scores 38,664 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX's 39,929 — a 3.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14600KF vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

FeatureCore i5-14600KFRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Cores / Threads
14 / 20
16 / 32+14%
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz+23%
4.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.9 GHz+11%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
64 MB+167%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Castle Peak (2020)
PassMark
38,664
39,929+3%
Cinebench R23 Multi
24,700
Geekbench 6 Single
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
18,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14600KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-14600KF versus 3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — the Core i5-14600KF supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 966.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-14600KF) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-14600KF) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 700 Series,Intel 600 Series (Core i5-14600KF) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX).

FeatureCore i5-14600KFRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Socket
LGA1700
sWRX8
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+75%
3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
2048 GB+967%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
128+540%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-14600KF) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). Primary use case: Core i5-14600KF targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX rivals Xeon Silver 4314.

FeatureCore i5-14600KFRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14600KF was priced at $304, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX came in at $1149. On launch pricing ($304 vs $1149), Core i5-14600KF was $845 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14600KF delivers 127.2 pts/$ vs 34.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — making the Core i5-14600KF the 114.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-14600KFRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
MSRP
$304-74%
$1149
Performance per Dollar
127.2+266%
34.8
Release Date
2023
2020

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