Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon E7-4890 v2

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon E7-4890 v2 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

24 / 48

30,954

0.0%

Ryzen 5 6600U

Ryzen 7 5800H

Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

Ryzen 9 7900

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

Xeon E7-4890 v2

15 / 30

30,946

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 2970WX vs Xeon E7-4890 v2 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 2970WX vs Xeon E7-4890 v2: 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 2970WX

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).
✅100% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 32) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,299 MSRP, while Xeon E7-4890 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌61.3% higher power demand at 250W vs 155W.

Xeon E7-4890 v2

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 155W instead of 250W, a 95W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (6,500 vs 29,045).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (38 MB vs 64 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX better than Xeon E7-4890 v2?

Yes. Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 346.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 0.0% 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 2970WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.0% 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 2970WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 346.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,299 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2970WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014), 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 15/30. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon E7-4890 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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 83.3% 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 — 33.3% 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+83%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	2048 GB+33%	1536 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
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.