CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
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 9 PRO 3900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+556%) |
| 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 Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
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 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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900's 31,251 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 17,500 (49.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 1,688, a 30.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 10,000 (32% advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900). Both processors carry 64 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 6 MB+1100% |
| Process | 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 30,954 | 31,251 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 29,045+66% | 17,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,240 | 1,688+36% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,241 | 10,000+38% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 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 9 PRO 3900). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 targets Professional Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 rivals Core i9-10900.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation | Professional Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX launched at $1299 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 debuted at $499. At current prices ($1300 vs $200), the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is $1100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 156.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 — making the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 the 147.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1299 | $499-62% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1300 | $200-85% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.8 | 156.3+557% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
