Ryzen 9 9900X vs Xeon w5-3535X
Ryzen 9 9900X
Xeon w5-3535X
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 9900X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w5-3535X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+351%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) |
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 9900X and Xeon w5-3535X
Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 54,530 points. Launch price was $499.
Xeon w5-3535X
The Xeon w5-3535X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 55,532 points. Launch price was $1,689.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 9900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w5-3535X offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon w5-3535X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.6 GHz on the Ryzen 9 9900X versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3535X — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 9900X (base: 4.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Ryzen 9 9900X uses the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 9900X scores 54,530 against the Xeon w5-3535X's 55,532 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon w5-3535X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,401 vs 2,300, a 38.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 9900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 19,756 vs 30,000 (41.2% advantage for the Xeon w5-3535X). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 9900X vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon w5-3535X.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 20 / 40+67% |
| Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz+17% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.4 GHz+52% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+22% | 52.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 54,530 | 55,532+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,003 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,401+48% | 2,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,756 | 30,000+52% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 9900X uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Xeon w5-3535X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs 4 (Xeon w5-3535X). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3535X) — the Xeon w5-3535X offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A620,B650,X670,X870 (Ryzen 9 9900X) and W790 (Xeon w5-3535X).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 4096 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 112+367% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-3535X). The Ryzen 9 9900X includes integrated graphics (Radeon 610M), while the Xeon w5-3535X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon w5-3535X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-3535X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 610M | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 9900X launched at $499 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-3535X debuted at $1699.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-71% | $1699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370 | — |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2024 |
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 9900X and Xeon w5-3535X
