Core i9-12950HX vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

CPU

GPU

Core i9-12950HX

16 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2022

Core family

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Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

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Core i9-12950HX vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

Core i9-12950HX

16 / 24

31,494

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 / 64

31,945

+1.4%

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 i9-12950HX 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 i9-12950HX 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 i9-12950HX

2022

Why buy it

✅+94.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 55W instead of 250W, a 195W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (23,113 vs 33,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 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

✅+43.7% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+113.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 30 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 Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,206 vs 2,349).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,799 MSRP, while Core i9-12950HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌354.5% higher power demand at 250W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i9-12950HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12950HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12950HX 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 i9-12950HX 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 43.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 113.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 30 MB).

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

Core i9-12950HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12950HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,799 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 43.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12950HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of TR4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12950HX vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12950HX

The Core i9-12950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,494 points. Launch price was $499.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12950HX packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12950HX versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-12950HX (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i9-12950HX uses the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12950HX scores 31,494 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 1.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 23,113 vs 33,213 (35.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,349 vs 1,206, a 64.3% lead for the Core i9-12950HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 15,711 vs 7,612 (69.5% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12950HX vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Feature	Core i9-12950HX	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	32 / 64+100%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+19%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3 GHz+30%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	64 MB+113%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+40860%
Process	Intel 7 nm-42%	12 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-HX (2022)	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	31,494	31,945+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	23,113	33,213+44%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,349+95%	1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi	15,711+106%	7,612

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12950HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12950HX versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core i9-12950HX supports 63.7% 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 128 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12950HX) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12950HX) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12950HX) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

Feature	Core i9-12950HX	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket	FCBGA1964	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+64%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12950HX) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). The Core i9-12950HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12950HX targets Mobile Workstation Flagship, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12950HX rivals Ryzen 9 6980HX; Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

Feature	Core i9-12950HX	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	AMD-V
Target Use	Mobile Workstation Flagship	Extreme Content Creation