Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon E7-4890 v2

Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon E7-4890 v2 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 9 3900

12 / 24

30,588

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX

Xeon E7-4890 v2

15 / 30

30,946

+1.2%

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 Xeon E7-4890 v2 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 9 3900 vs Xeon E7-4890 v2: 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

2019

Why buy it

✅+134.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 155W, a 90W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Prism), unlike Xeon E7-4890 v2.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E7-4890 v2, which brings 15 cores / 30 threads and 32 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $499 MSRP, while Xeon E7-4890 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E7-4890 v2

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 15 cores / 30 threads, plus 32 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (32 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (730 vs 1,713).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (6,500 vs 17,700).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (38 MB vs 64 MB).
❌138.5% higher power demand at 155W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 9 3900.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 3900 better than Xeon E7-4890 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7-4890 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 3900 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 3900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 3900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 172.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 9 3900 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 9 3900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $499 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (61.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 9 3900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014), 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 15/30. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon E7-4890 v2 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.

Xeon E7-4890 v2

The Xeon E7-4890 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 30,946 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon E7-4890 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads — the Xeon E7-4890 v2 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E7-4890 v2 — a 23.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900 is built on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900 scores 30,588 against the Xeon E7-4890 v2's 30,946 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E7-4890 v2. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,700 vs 6,500 (92.6% advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,713 vs 730, a 80.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,983 vs 5,500 (66.5% advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900 vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4890 v2.

Feature	Ryzen 9 3900	Xeon E7-4890 v2
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	15 / 30+25%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+26%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+11%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	64 MB+71%	37.5 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	—
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)	—
PassMark	30,588	30,946+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	17,700+172%	6,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,713+135%	730
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,983+100%	5,500

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E7-4890 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E7-4890 v2 — the Ryzen 9 3900 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-4890 v2 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 4 (Xeon E7-4890 v2). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 32 (Xeon E7-4890 v2) — the Xeon E7-4890 v2 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900) and C602 (Xeon E7-4890 v2).

Feature	Ryzen 9 3900	Xeon E7-4890 v2
Socket	AM4	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+100%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	32+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 3900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon E7-4890 v2). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900 targets Workstation Desktop (low power), Xeon E7-4890 v2 targets Enterprise Server (Legacy). Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900 rivals Core i9-9900; Xeon E7-4890 v2 rivals Xeon E5-2697 v2.