Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
Threadripper family
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Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,470 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Delivers 283.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 31,945).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

  • +42.4% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 42.4% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has 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 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $1,470 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $1,799 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 42.4% better PassMark. It is also 283.9% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

AMD

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 Ryzen 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 35% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
32 / 64+300%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+5%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+20%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB
64 MB+100%
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-42%
12 nm
Architecture
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark
22,430
31,945+42%
Cinebench R23 Multi
33,213
Geekbench 6 Single
1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,612
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 9.1% 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 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket
AM4
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+9%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
24
64+167%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Extreme Content Creation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($329 vs $1799), Ryzen 7 3700X was $1470 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 117.3% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP
$329-82%
$1799
Performance per Dollar
68.2+283%
17.8
Release Date
2019
2018

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