Core i9-12950HX vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Core i9-12950HX
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12950HX
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12950HX | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12950HX | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12950HX and Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
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.
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)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| 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 |
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 22.2% 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 — 176.5% 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+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 2048 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
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 |
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