Core Ultra 5 235T vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Core Ultra 5 235T
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 Ultra 5 235T
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($247) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+407%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($247) | ⚠️ 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 Ultra 5 235T and Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Core Ultra 5 235T
The Core Ultra 5 235T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 32,053 points. Launch price was $247.
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 Ultra 5 235T packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235T versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 235T scores 32,053 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 0.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,760 vs 1,206, a 78.4% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,900 vs 7,612 (51.6% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 235T vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 32 / 64+129% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+19% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3 GHz+36% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 64 MB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-75% | 12 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 32,053 | 31,945 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 33,213 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,760+129% | 1,206 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,900+69% | 7,612 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 235T uses the LGA1851 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 DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235T versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core Ultra 5 235T 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 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 235T) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 235T) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235T) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 2048 GB+967% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 64+167% |
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 Ultra 5 235T) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). The Core Ultra 5 235T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 235T targets Mainstream Desktop, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Extreme Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 235T launched at $247 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX debuted at $1799. At current prices ($247 vs $1247), the Core Ultra 5 235T is $1000 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 235T delivers 129.8 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core Ultra 5 235T the 134.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $247-86% | $1799 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $247-80% | $1247 |
| Performance per Dollar | 129.8+407% | 25.6 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core Ultra 5 235T and Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
