CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Xeon E7-4890 v2
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 Xeon E7-4890 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Xeon E7-4890 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Xeon E7-4890 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Xeon E7-4890 v2
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.
Xeon E7-4890 v2
The Xeon E7-4890 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 30,946 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon E7-4890 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 9 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E7-4890 v2 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is built on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Xeon E7-4890 v2's 30,946 — a 0% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 6,500 (126.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 730, a 51.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 5,500 (27.3% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4890 v2.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Xeon E7-4890 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+60% | 15 / 30 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+24% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+7% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+71% | 37.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | — |
| Process | 12 nm-45% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | — |
| PassMark | 30,954 | 30,946 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 29,045+347% | 6,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,240+70% | 730 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,241+32% | 5,500 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E7-4890 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E7-4890 v2 — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports 28.6% 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 1536 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 32 (Xeon E7-4890 v2) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and C602 (Xeon E7-4890 v2).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Xeon E7-4890 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+33% | 1536 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+100% | 32 |
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 (Xeon E7-4890 v2). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Xeon E7-4890 v2 targets Enterprise Server (Legacy). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Xeon E7-4890 v2 rivals Xeon E5-2697 v2.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Xeon E7-4890 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation | Enterprise Server (Legacy) |
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