Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs Xeon Gold 6148

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs Xeon Gold 6148 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

16 / 32

29,462

+1.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX

Xeon Gold 6148

20 / 40

29,021

0.0%

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 Threadripper 2950X vs Xeon Gold 6148 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 Threadripper 2950X vs Xeon Gold 6148: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +26.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,173 less on MSRP ($899 MSRP vs $3,072 MSRP).
✅Delivers 246.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.8 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($899 MSRP vs $3,072 MSRP).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌20% higher power demand at 180W vs 150W.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6148

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 150W instead of 180W, a 30W reduction.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2950X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,500 vs 21,444).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 32.8 PassMark/$ ($3,072 MSRP vs $899 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2950X better than Xeon Gold 6148?

Yes. Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 26.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 15.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 1.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 26.7% 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 2950X is the stronger fit. You are getting 15.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 2950X comes in $2,173 cheaper on MSRP at $899 MSRP versus $3,072 MSRP, and it still gives you a 26.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 246.9% better value on MSRP (32.8 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 Threadripper 2950X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 20/40. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs Xeon Gold 6148 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon Gold 6148

The Xeon Gold 6148 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,021 points. Launch price was $3,072.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6148 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6148 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6148 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6148 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X scores 29,462 against the Xeon Gold 6148's 29,021 — a 1.5% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,444 vs 18,500 (14.7% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,255 vs 1,254, a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,814 vs 9,445 (6.9% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6148). L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6148.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X	Xeon Gold 6148
Cores / Threads	16 / 32	20 / 40+25%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+19%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+46%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB+16%	27.5 MB
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+2460%	20 MB
Process	12 nm-14%	14 nm
Architecture	ZEN+ (2018−2019)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	29,462+2%	29,021
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,444+16%	18,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,255	1,254
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,814	9,445+7%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6148 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6148 — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6148 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6148). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6148) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) and C620 (Xeon Gold 6148).

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X	Xeon Gold 6148
Socket	TR4	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933+10%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	768 GB+200%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	64+33%	48

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6148 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6148). Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6148 targets Legacy Enterprise Workloads. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6148 rivals EPYC 7401.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X	Xeon Gold 6148
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Enterprise Workloads

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X was priced at $899, while the Xeon Gold 6148 came in at $3072. On launch pricing ($899 vs $3072), Ryzen Threadripper 2950X was $2173 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X delivers 32.8 pts/$ vs 9.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6148 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X the 110.5% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X	Xeon Gold 6148
MSRP	$899-71%	$3072
Performance per Dollar	32.8+249%	9.4
Release Date	2018	2017

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