Ryzen 9 5900X vs Xeon W-3245

AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020
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 5900X 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 5900X 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 5900X 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 5900X

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).
  • Costs $1,650 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).
  • Delivers 401.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).
  • Draws 105W instead of 205W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-3245, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-3245

2019

Why buy it

  • 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.
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,000 vs 21,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (22 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($2,199 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • 95.2% higher power demand at 205W vs 105W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Xeon W-3245?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-3245 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 5900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.6% 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 5900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 16.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).
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 $1,650 cheaper on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $2,199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 401.9% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), 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 2019), 190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 9 5900X vs Xeon W-3245 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-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 5900X 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 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3245 — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon W-3245 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900X scores 38,955 against the Xeon W-3245's 31,089 — a 22.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 18,000 (15.4% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,174 vs 1,353, a 46.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,888 vs 11,698 (1.6% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X vs 22 MB on the Xeon W-3245.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3245
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
16 / 32+33%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+4%
4.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+16%
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+191%
22 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+3100%
16 MB
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022)
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark
38,955+25%
31,089
Cinebench R23 Multi
21,000+17%
18,000
Geekbench 6 Single
2,174+61%
1,353
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,888+2%
11,698
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 5900X 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 5900X versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-3245 — the Ryzen 9 5900X 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 5900X) vs 6 (Xeon W-3245). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 64 (Xeon W-3245) — the Xeon W-3245 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X) and C621 (Xeon W-3245).

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon 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
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
64+167%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 5900X 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 5900X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-3245). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation, Xeon W-3245 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K; Xeon W-3245 rivals Threadripper 2950X.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3245
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation
Professional Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 9 5900X was priced at $549, while the Xeon W-3245 came in at $2199. On launch pricing ($549 vs $2199), Ryzen 9 5900X was $1650 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 71.0 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3245 — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 133.5% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 9 5900XXeon W-3245
MSRP
$549-75%
$2199
Performance per Dollar
71.0+404%
14.1
Release Date
2020
2019

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