CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Ryzen 5 3600
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 Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+828%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 54.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 9,500 (101.4% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 1,295, a 4.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 1,898 (116.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+300% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+100% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 30,954+75% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 29,045+206% | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,240 | 1,295+4% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,241+282% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+167% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX launched at $1299 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($1300 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $1220 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 161.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1299 | $199-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1300 | $80-94% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.8 | 221.1+829% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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