Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Xeon X3480
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Xeon X3480
Popular choices:
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 7950X3D
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+85%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
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 7950X3D and Xeon X3480
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,323 points. Launch price was $699.
Xeon X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon X3480 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 41.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D scores 62,323 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 179.7% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+300% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.7 GHz+53% | 3.73 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+37% | 3.06 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+1500% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-89% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 62,323+1773% | 3,327 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 38,581 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,926 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,643 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon X3480 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Ryzen 9 7950X3D) / not specified (Xeon X3480). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X3D rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D launched at $699 MSRP, while the Xeon X3480 debuted at $612. At current prices ($486 vs $48), the Xeon X3480 is $438 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 7950X3D delivers 128.2 pts/$ vs 69.3 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the 59.7% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699 | $612-12% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $486 | $48-90% |
| Performance per Dollar | 128.2+85% | 69.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2010 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Xeon X3480
