Ryzen 9 5900X vs Xeon W-3175X

AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-3175X

28 Cores56 Thrd255 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Ryzen 9 5900X vs Xeon W-3175X 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 5900X vs Xeon W-3175X 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 5900X vs Xeon W-3175X: 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 5900X

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +17.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +66.2% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 39 MB).
  • Costs $2,450 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $2,999 MSRP).
  • Delivers 361.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $2,999 MSRP).
  • Draws 105W instead of 255W, a 150W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (21,000 vs 31,350).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-3175X, which brings 28 cores / 56 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-3175X

2018

Why buy it

  • +49.3% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 28 cores / 56 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (39 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($2,999 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • 142.9% higher power demand at 255W vs 105W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Xeon W-3175X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-3175X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 5900X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-3175X is the stronger fit. You are getting 49.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 28 cores and 56 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 5900X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 9 5900X comes in $2,450 cheaper on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $2,999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W-3175X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 49.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 361.4% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), 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 5900X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018) and 66.2% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 39 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 9 5900X vs Xeon W-3175X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 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: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.

Intel

Xeon W-3175X

The Xeon W-3175X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 46,125 points. Launch price was $2,999.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 5900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-3175X offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon W-3175X has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon W-3175X — a 23.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon W-3175X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900X scores 38,955 against the Xeon W-3175X's 46,125 — a 16.9% lead for the Xeon W-3175X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 31,350 (39.5% advantage for the Xeon W-3175X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,174 vs 1,467, a 38.8% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,888 vs 17,358 (37.4% advantage for the Xeon W-3175X). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X vs 38.5 MB (total) on the Xeon W-3175X.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3175X
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
28 / 56+133%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+26%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+19%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+66%
38.5 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+51100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
38,955
46,125+18%
Cinebench R23 Multi
21,000
31,350+49%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,174+48%
1,467
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,888
17,358+46%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-3175X uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-3175X — the Ryzen 9 5900X supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3175X supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 6 (Xeon W-3175X). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 48 (Xeon W-3175X) — the Xeon W-3175X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X) and Intel C621 (Xeon W-3175X).

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3175X
Socket
AM4
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+20%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
512 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
48+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon W-3175X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-3175X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3175X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 9 5900X was priced at $549, while the Xeon W-3175X came in at $2999. On launch pricing ($549 vs $2999), Ryzen 9 5900X was $2450 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 71.0 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3175X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 128.7% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3175X
MSRP
$549-82%
$2999
Performance per Dollar
71.0+361%
15.4
Release Date
2020
2018

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