Ryzen 9 3950X vs Core Ultra 5 245HX
Ryzen 9 3950X
Core Ultra 5 245HX
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 3950X
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 245HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core Ultra 5 245HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-HX (2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core Ultra 5 245HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 3950X and Core Ultra 5 245HX
Ryzen 9 3950X
The Ryzen 9 3950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 38,519 points. Launch price was $799.
Core Ultra 5 245HX
The Core Ultra 5 245HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 39,605 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245HX offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Ryzen 9 3950X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245HX — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245HX (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3950X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245HX uses Arrow Lake-HX (2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3950X scores 38,519 against the Core Ultra 5 245HX's 39,605 — a 2.8% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245HX. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3950X vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245HX.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core Ultra 5 245HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+14% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 5.1 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+500% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | Arrow Lake-HX (2025) |
| PassMark | 38,519 | 39,605+3% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3950X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245HX uses FCBGA2114 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245HX — the Core Ultra 5 245HX supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245HX supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550 (Ryzen 9 3950X) and Arrow Lake-HX (Core Ultra 5 245HX).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core Ultra 5 245HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 6400+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+52428700% | 256 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3950X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245HX). The Core Ultra 5 245HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the Ryzen 9 3950X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core Ultra 5 245HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
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