Ryzen 9 3900
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Ryzen 9 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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 9 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Ryzen 9 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Ryzen 9 3900
2019Why buy it
- ✅Costs $800 less on MSRP ($499 MSRP vs $1,299 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 157.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 61.3 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($499 MSRP vs $1,299 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Prism), unlike Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,700 vs 29,045).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
2018Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +14.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
- ✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 61.3 PassMark/$ ($1,299 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
- ❌284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 9 3900.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX better than Ryzen 9 3900?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 9 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Ryzen 9 3900
The Ryzen 9 3900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 24 September 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 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: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 30,588 points. Launch price was $499.
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 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: 30,954 points. Launch price was $1,299.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900 scores 30,588 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX's 30,954 — a 1.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,700 vs 29,045 (48.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,713 vs 1,240, a 32% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,983 vs 7,241 (41.1% advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900). Both processors carry 64 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 24 / 48+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+2% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-42% | 12 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 30,588 | 30,954+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,700 | 29,045+64% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,713+38% | 1,240 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,983+52% | 7,241 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — the Ryzen 9 3900 supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 64+167% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900 targets Workstation Desktop (low power), Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900 rivals Core i9-9900; Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation Desktop (low power) | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Ryzen 9 3900 was priced at $499, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX came in at $1299. On launch pricing ($499 vs $1299), Ryzen 9 3900 was $800 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3900 delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — making the Ryzen 9 3900 the 88% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-62% | $1299 |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.3+158% | 23.8 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2018 |
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