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 5600

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $950 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Delivers 211.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 34.8 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 280W, a 215W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,550 vs 39,929).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +24.3% higher average FPS across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 34.8 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌330.8% higher power demand at 280W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $950 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Delivers 211.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 34.8 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 280W, a 215W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +24.3% higher average FPS across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅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 3955WX across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,550 vs 39,929).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 34.8 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌330.8% higher power demand at 280W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX better than Ryzen 5 5600?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 5600 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 3955WX is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 24.3% more average FPS across 3 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 3955WX is the better fit. You are getting 85.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 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 3955WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 5600 makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is 477.4% more expensive on MSRP at $1,149 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it gives you a 24.3% average FPS lead across 3 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 5600 is also 211.6% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 34.8 PassMark/$), 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 5 5600 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020). That makes it the safer long-term pick.

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 5600 Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
1080p
low	161 FPS	210 FPS
medium	130 FPS	170 FPS
high	112 FPS	142 FPS
ultra	93 FPS	104 FPS
1440p
low	141 FPS	186 FPS
medium	113 FPS	147 FPS
high	95 FPS	118 FPS
ultra	78 FPS	88 FPS
4K
low	79 FPS	88 FPS
medium	69 FPS	74 FPS
high	55 FPS	58 FPS
ultra	44 FPS	47 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 5600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
1080p
low	508 FPS	557 FPS
medium	419 FPS	486 FPS
high	351 FPS	395 FPS
ultra	310 FPS	351 FPS
1440p
low	447 FPS	479 FPS
medium	375 FPS	424 FPS
high	323 FPS	356 FPS
ultra	277 FPS	296 FPS
4K
low	313 FPS	299 FPS
medium	268 FPS	268 FPS
high	243 FPS	243 FPS
ultra	209 FPS	217 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 5600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
1080p
low	539 FPS	773 FPS
medium	526 FPS	638 FPS
high	483 FPS	569 FPS
ultra	414 FPS	494 FPS
1440p
low	539 FPS	600 FPS
medium	434 FPS	495 FPS
high	396 FPS	437 FPS
ultra	339 FPS	376 FPS
4K
low	371 FPS	431 FPS
medium	298 FPS	344 FPS
high	255 FPS	303 FPS
ultra	197 FPS	243 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 5600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
1080p
low	539 FPS	998 FPS
medium	539 FPS	970 FPS
high	539 FPS	823 FPS
ultra	539 FPS	725 FPS
1440p
low	539 FPS	847 FPS
medium	539 FPS	745 FPS
high	539 FPS	630 FPS
ultra	493 FPS	540 FPS
4K
low	501 FPS	594 FPS
medium	448 FPS	540 FPS
high	398 FPS	468 FPS
ultra	349 FPS	405 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 5600 Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 39,929 points. Launch price was $1,149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600 scores 21,550 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX's 39,929 — a 59.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	16 / 32+167%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+2%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.9 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)	64 MB+100%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512 kB (per core)
Process	7 nm	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Vermeer (2020−2025)	Castle Peak (2020)
PassMark	21,550	39,929+85%
Cinebench R23 Multi	11,077	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,052	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,600	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus 3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX).

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Socket	AM4	sWRX8
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	3200+79900%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+6553500%	2048
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	128+433%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX rivals Xeon Silver 4314.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 5 5600 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX debuted at $1149. On MSRP ($199 vs $1149), the Ryzen 5 5600 is $950 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600 delivers 108.3 pts/$ vs 34.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 102.8% better value option.