CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Core Ultra 5 225
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 2970WX
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 225
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+554%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 2970WX and Core Ultra 5 225
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 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: 30,954 points. Launch price was $1,299.
Core Ultra 5 225
The Core Ultra 5 225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 31,137 points. Launch price was $246.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225 offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 225 uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Core Ultra 5 225's 31,137 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 17,020 (52.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 2,653, a 72.6% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 13,028 (57.1% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+140% | 10 / 10 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.9 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+220% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+500% |
| Process | 12 nm | 3 nm-75% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 30,954 | 31,137 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 29,045+71% | 17,020 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,240 | 2,653+114% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,241 | 13,028+80% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 225 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225 — the Core Ultra 5 225 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 225). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+700% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+167% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core Ultra 5 225). The Core Ultra 5 225 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores)), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation | Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX launched at $1299 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 225 debuted at $240. At current prices ($1300 vs $200), the Core Ultra 5 225 is $1100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 155.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225 — making the Core Ultra 5 225 the 146.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1299 | $240-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1300 | $200-85% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.8 | 155.7+554% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2025 |
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