CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Core i9-9980XE
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 Threadripper 2950X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($540) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (ZEN+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+11%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($540) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
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 Threadripper 2950X and Core i9-9980XE
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 29,462 points. Launch price was $899.
Core i9-9980XE
The Core i9-9980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 29,127 points. Launch price was $1,979.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-9980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X scores 29,462 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 1.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,444 vs 22,000 (2.6% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,255 vs 1,459, a 15% lead for the Core i9-9980XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,814 vs 12,177 (32% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 18 / 36+13% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+17% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+29% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | ZEN+ (2018−2019) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 29,462+1% | 29,127 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,444 | 22,000+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,255 | 1,459+16% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,814 | 12,177+38% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-9980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+45% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-9980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9980XE). Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X launched at $899 MSRP, while the Core i9-9980XE debuted at $1979. At current prices ($540 vs $593), the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is $53 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X delivers 54.6 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9980XE — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X the 10.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $899-55% | $1979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $540-9% | $593 |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.6+11% | 49.1 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
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