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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,141 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Delivers 109.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 350W, a 285W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 56,854).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX moves to sTR5 and DDR5.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +32.8% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅Newer platform on sTR5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.4 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌438.5% higher power demand at 350W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,141 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Delivers 109.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 350W, a 285W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +32.8% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅Newer platform on sTR5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 56,854).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX moves to sTR5 and DDR5.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.4 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌438.5% higher power demand at 350W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX better than Ryzen 5 3600?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 3600 is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 32.8% more average FPS across 43 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better fit. You are getting 221.5% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 3600 makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is 573.4% more expensive on MSRP at $1,340 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it gives you a 32.8% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 3600 is also 109.5% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 42.4 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2019), a healthier platform with sTR5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, 100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB), more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 6/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Ryzen 5 3600 Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	200 FPS	278 FPS
medium	161 FPS	253 FPS
high	135 FPS	216 FPS
ultra	106 FPS	188 FPS
1440p
low	154 FPS	262 FPS
medium	119 FPS	214 FPS
high	96 FPS	169 FPS
ultra	75 FPS	152 FPS
4K
low	70 FPS	180 FPS
medium	58 FPS	147 FPS
high	46 FPS	111 FPS
ultra	36 FPS	98 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	442 FPS	791 FPS
medium	404 FPS	650 FPS
high	332 FPS	485 FPS
ultra	295 FPS	409 FPS
1440p
low	420 FPS	651 FPS
medium	359 FPS	555 FPS
high	303 FPS	428 FPS
ultra	263 FPS	333 FPS
4K
low	297 FPS	366 FPS
medium	259 FPS	315 FPS
high	230 FPS	277 FPS
ultra	201 FPS	233 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	442 FPS	886 FPS
medium	442 FPS	704 FPS
high	442 FPS	622 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	534 FPS
1440p
low	442 FPS	712 FPS
medium	442 FPS	566 FPS
high	442 FPS	488 FPS
ultra	432 FPS	414 FPS
4K
low	442 FPS	507 FPS
medium	361 FPS	418 FPS
high	305 FPS	375 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	315 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	442 FPS	1106 FPS
medium	442 FPS	991 FPS
high	442 FPS	867 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	781 FPS
1440p
low	442 FPS	860 FPS
medium	442 FPS	759 FPS
high	442 FPS	664 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	576 FPS
4K
low	442 FPS	632 FPS
medium	442 FPS	562 FPS
high	413 FPS	496 FPS
ultra	357 FPS	429 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Ryzen 5 3600

The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 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: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 3600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — a 25% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600 scores 17,685 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX's 56,854 — a 105.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	5.4 GHz+29%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	4.7 GHz+31%
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)	64 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	1 MB (per core)+100%
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	4 nm-43%
Architecture	Matisse (2019−2020)	Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark	17,685	56,854+221%
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,295	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX).

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Socket	AM4	sTR5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	6400+159900%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+6553500%	2048
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	128+433%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Ryzen 5 3600) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
Target Use	Gaming/Budget Workstation	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 5 3600 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX debuted at $1340. On MSRP ($199 vs $1340), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $1141 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 42.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 70.7% better value option.