Ryzen 9 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Ryzen 9 3900
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
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 9 3900
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+756%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) |
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 9 3900 and Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
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. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% 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 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 2048 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| 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
The Ryzen 9 3900 launched at $499 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX debuted at $1299. At current prices ($150 vs $1300), the Ryzen 9 3900 is $1150 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3900 delivers 203.9 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — making the Ryzen 9 3900 the 158.2% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-62% | $1299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-88% | $1300 |
| Performance per Dollar | 203.9+757% | 23.8 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2018 |
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