Core i9-10980XE vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

CPU

GPU

Core i9-10980XE

18 Cores36 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019

Core family

·······

Buy on Amazon

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

··

Buy on Amazon

Core i9-10980XE vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

Core i9-10980XE

18 / 36

32,187

+0.8%

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 i9-10980XE 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 i9-10980XE 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 i9-10980XE

2019

Why buy it

✅+3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $820 less on MSRP ($979 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Delivers 85.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($979 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Draws 165W instead of 250W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (24,309 vs 33,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 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

✅+36.6% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+158.6% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 48.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,206 vs 1,242).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 32.9 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $979 MSRP).
❌51.5% higher power demand at 250W vs 165W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10980XE 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 i9-10980XE 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, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 36.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 158.6% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).

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

Core i9-10980XE is the better buy right now. Core i9-10980XE comes in $820 cheaper on MSRP at $979 MSRP versus $1,799 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 36.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 85.2% better value on MSRP (32.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), 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 i9-10980XE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-10980XE vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-10980XE

The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.

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 i9-10980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-10980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i9-10980XE uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10980XE scores 32,187 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-10980XE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 24,309 vs 33,213 (31% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,242 vs 1,206, a 2.9% lead for the Core i9-10980XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,275 vs 7,612 (72.5% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Feature	Core i9-10980XE	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads	18 / 36	32 / 64+78%
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz+14%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3 GHz
L3 Cache	24.75 MB (total)	64 MB+159%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	14 nm	12 nm-14%
Architecture	Cascade Lake-X (2019)	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	32,187	31,945
Cinebench R23 Multi	24,309	33,213+37%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,242+3%	1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,275+114%	7,612

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-10980XE) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-10980XE) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

Feature	Core i9-10980XE	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket	LGA2066	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	2048 GB+700%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	48	64+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-10980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i9-10980XE) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

Feature	Core i9-10980XE	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	Yes	AMD-V
Target Use	—	Extreme Content Creation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-10980XE was priced at $979, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($979 vs $1799), Core i9-10980XE was $820 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10980XE delivers 32.9 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core i9-10980XE the 59.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-10980XE	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP	$979-46%	$1799
Performance per Dollar	32.9+85%	17.8
Release Date	2019	2018

Search Core i9-10980XE 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.