Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

AMD

Ryzen 9 PRO 3900

12 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
Threadripper family
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Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 PRO 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 PRO 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: 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 PRO 3900

2019

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,300 less on MSRP ($499 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Delivers 252.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 62.6 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($499 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Prism), unlike Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,500 vs 33,213).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 62.6 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
  • 284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 9 PRO 3900.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX better than Ryzen 9 PRO 3900?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 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 Threadripper 2990WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.1% 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 Threadripper 2990WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 89.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX comes in 260.5% more expensive on MSRP at $1,799 MSRP versus $499 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is also 252.7% better value on MSRP (62.6 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 9 PRO 3900

The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 September 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,251 points. Launch price was $499.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 scores 31,251 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 2.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,500 vs 33,213 (62% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,688 vs 1,206, a 33.3% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,000 vs 7,612 (27.1% advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900). Both processors carry 64 MB of L3 cache.

FeatureRyzen 9 PRO 3900Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
32 / 64+167%
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz+2%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+3%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB
64 MB
L2 Cache
6 MB
512K (per core)+8433%
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-42%
12 nm
Architecture
Zen 2 (2017−2020)
Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark
31,251
31,945+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
17,500
33,213+90%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,688+40%
1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,000+31%
7,612
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

FeatureRyzen 9 PRO 3900Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket
AM4
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+9%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
24
64+167%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 targets Professional Content Creation, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 rivals Core i9-10900; Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

FeatureRyzen 9 PRO 3900Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
AMD-V
Target Use
Professional Content Creation
Extreme Content Creation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 was priced at $499, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($499 vs $1799), Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 was $1300 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 delivers 62.6 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 the 111.6% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 9 PRO 3900Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP
$499-72%
$1799
Performance per Dollar
62.6+252%
17.8
Release Date
2019
2018

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