Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon W-3245

AMD

Ryzen 9 3900

12 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-3245

16 Cores32 Thrd205 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon W-3245 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 Xeon W-3245 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 W-3245: 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

  • +190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).
  • Costs $1,700 less on MSRP ($499 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).
  • Delivers 333.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 61.3 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($499 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 205W, a 140W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Prism), unlike Xeon W-3245.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-3245 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,700 vs 18,000).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-3245, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon W-3245

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (22 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 61.3 PassMark/$ ($2,199 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
  • 215.4% higher power demand at 205W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 9 3900.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-3245 better than Ryzen 9 3900?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-3245 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, Xeon W-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.3% 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, Xeon W-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-3245 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 9 3900 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-3245 comes in 340.7% more expensive on MSRP at $2,199 MSRP versus $499 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 9 3900 is also 333.6% better value on MSRP (61.3 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 12/24 and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 9 3900 vs Xeon W-3245 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon W-3245

The Xeon W-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 31,089 points. Launch price was $1,999.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-3245 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon W-3245 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3245 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3245 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon W-3245 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900 scores 30,588 against the Xeon W-3245's 31,089 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon W-3245. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,700 vs 18,000 (1.7% advantage for the Xeon W-3245). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,713 vs 1,353, a 23.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,983 vs 11,698 (6.3% advantage for the Xeon W-3245). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900 vs 22 MB on the Xeon W-3245.

FeatureRyzen 9 3900Xeon W-3245
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
16 / 32+33%
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
4.6 GHz+7%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.2 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
64 MB+191%
22 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
16 MB+3100%
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark
30,588
31,089+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
17,700
18,000+2%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,713+27%
1,353
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,983
11,698+7%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-3245 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-3245 — the Ryzen 9 3900 supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3245 supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 6 (Xeon W-3245). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 64 (Xeon W-3245) — the Xeon W-3245 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900) and C621 (Xeon W-3245).

FeatureRyzen 9 3900Xeon W-3245
Socket
AM4
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+9%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
1024 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
64+167%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 3900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-3245 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-3245). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900 targets Workstation Desktop (low power), Xeon W-3245 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900 rivals Core i9-9900; Xeon W-3245 rivals Threadripper 2950X.

FeatureRyzen 9 3900Xeon W-3245
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation Desktop (low power)
Professional Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 9 3900 was priced at $499, while the Xeon W-3245 came in at $2199. On launch pricing ($499 vs $2199), Ryzen 9 3900 was $1700 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3900 delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3245 — making the Ryzen 9 3900 the 125% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 9 3900Xeon W-3245
MSRP
$499-77%
$2199
Performance per Dollar
61.3+335%
14.1
Release Date
2019
2019

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