Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-2295

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

24 Cores48 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
Threadripper family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2295

18 Cores36 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-2295 Performance Spectrum

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 W-2295 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 W-2295: 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

  • +158.6% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Costs $34 less on MSRP ($1,299 MSRP vs $1,333 MSRP).
  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,240 vs 1,703).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (7,241 vs 12,863).
  • 51.5% higher power demand at 250W vs 165W.

Xeon W-2295

2019

Why buy it

  • +37.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 165W instead of 250W, a 85W reduction.
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 64 MB).
  • 2.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $1,333 MSRPvs$1,299 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2295 better than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX?
Yes. Xeon W-2295 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 77.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.1% 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, Xeon W-2295 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, Xeon W-2295 is the stronger fit. You are getting 77.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-2295 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-2295 comes in 2.6% more expensive on MSRP at $1,333 MSRP versus $1,299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is also 2.5% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 23.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-2295 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018), more multi-core headroom with 18 cores / 36 threads instead of 24/48, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-2295 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon W-2295

The Xeon W-2295 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 30,986 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon W-2295 offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon W-2295 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2295 (base: 3 GHz vs 3 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 W-2295's 30,986 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W-2295. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 1,703, a 31.5% lead for the Xeon W-2295 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 12,863 (55.9% advantage for the Xeon W-2295). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 24.75 MB on the Xeon W-2295.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2970WXXeon W-2295
Cores / Threads
24 / 48+33%
18 / 36
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
4.8 GHz+14%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+159%
24.75 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
Process
12 nm-14%
14 nm
Architecture
Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark
30,954
30,986
Cinebench R23 Multi
29,045
Geekbench 6 Single
1,240
1,703+37%
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,241
12,863+78%
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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-2295 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — 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 1024 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 48 (Xeon W-2295) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and C422 (Xeon W-2295).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2970WXXeon W-2295
Socket
TR4
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB+100%
1024 GB
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
64+33%
48
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-2295 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-2295). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Xeon W-2295 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2970WXXeon W-2295
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX was priced at $1299, while the Xeon W-2295 came in at $1333. On launch pricing ($1299 vs $1333), Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX was $34 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 23.2 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2295 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX the 2.5% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2970WXXeon W-2295
MSRP
$1299-3%
$1333
Performance per Dollar
23.8+3%
23.2
Release Date
2018
2019

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