
Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

Ryzen 5 5600X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+107%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4 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: 33,455 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX's 33,455 — a 42% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 12 / 24+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+7% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 64 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Castle Peak (2020) |
| PassMark | 21,845 | 33,455+53% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,652 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,500 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | sWRX8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 2048 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 128+433% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Professional Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX debuted at $1149. At current prices ($135 vs $100), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 334.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX the 69.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299-74% | $1149 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135 | $100-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8 | 334.6+107% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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