EPYC 9965 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
EPYC 9965
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
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 EPYC 9965
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
Why is EPYC 9965 better than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX?
The battle between the elite EPYC 9965 and the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX reveals the divide between uncompromised server scale and world-class workstation responsiveness. The EPYC 9965 is a world-class monstrosity featuring a colossal 192 cores (Zen 5c) designed for massive multi-socket technical computing and high-density data center workloads.
Technically, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX wins on absolute clock speed and interactive throughput, featuring 64 high-performance Zen 5 cores that provide superior responsiveness for complex 3D rendering and real-time visualization. While the EPYC 9965 offers uncompromised thread density for pathological multi-tasking, the TR PRO provides the foundational stability and speed needed for individual workstation mastery. Moving to a next-gen workstation or server engine is a transformative upgrade for researchers in 2026.
The AMD EPYC 9965 is the undisputed winner in absolute core density and mission-critical server scale. it is a world-class industrial engine. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is the winner for professional designers and engineers who priority elite interactive throughput and workstation-grade drivers. for any rig requiring uncompromised thread count and industrial muscle, the 192-core server processor is the clear and superior winner.
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10,000) | ✅ More affordable ($7,999) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10,000) | ✅ More affordable ($7,999) |
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 EPYC 9965 and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
EPYC 9965
The EPYC 9965 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 192 cores and 384 threads. Base frequency is 2.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 500 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 160,778 points. Launch price was $14,813.
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 154,361 points. Launch price was $7,999.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9965 packs 192 cores / 384 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 9965 has 128 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9965 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX (base: 2.25 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9965 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9965 scores 160,778 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX's 154,361 — a 4.1% lead for the EPYC 9965. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,520 vs 3,644, a 82.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9965 vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX.
| Feature | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 192 / 384+200% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5.4 GHz+46% |
| Base Clock | 2.25 GHz | 3.2 GHz+42% |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total)+50% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-25% | 4 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 160,778+4% | 154,361 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 120,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,520 | 3,644+140% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 37,967 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9965 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6000 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 6 TB — 198.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9965) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9965) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX).
| Feature | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6000 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+200% | 2048 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9965) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX). Primary use case: EPYC 9965 targets Data Center / High Density, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX targets High-end Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9965 rivals Xeon 6980P; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX rivals Xeon w9-3475X.
| Feature | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | true |
| Target Use | Data Center / High Density | High-end Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9965 launched at $14813 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX debuted at $7999. At current prices ($10000 vs $7999), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is $2001 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9965 delivers 16.1 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX the 18.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9965 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $14813 | $7999-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10000 | $7999-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 16.1 | 19.3+20% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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