Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-3245

CPU

GPU

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

24 Cores48 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

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Xeon W-3245

16 Cores32 Thrd205 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019

Similar parts

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Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-3245 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 W-3245

16 / 32

31,089

+0.4%

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-3245 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-3245: 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

✅+61.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).
✅Costs $900 less on MSRP ($1,299 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 68.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.8 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($1,299 MSRP vs $2,199 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,240 vs 1,353).
❌22% higher power demand at 250W vs 205W.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-3245

2019

Why buy it

✅+9.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 205W instead of 250W, a 45W reduction.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,000 vs 29,045).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (22 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($2,199 MSRP vs $1,299 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-3245 better than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-3245 is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX pulls ahead with 61.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX also has the bigger cache pool with 190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).

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 61.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).

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

Xeon W-3245 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-3245 comes in 69.3% more expensive on MSRP at $2,199 MSRP versus $1,299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 61.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is also 68.5% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), 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-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs Xeon W-3245 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 W-3245

The Xeon W-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 31,089 points. Launch price was $1,999.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon W-3245 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3245 — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3245 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon W-3245 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Xeon W-3245's 31,089 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-3245. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 18,000 (47% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 1,353, a 8.7% lead for the Xeon W-3245 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 11,698 (47.1% advantage for the Xeon W-3245). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 22 MB on the Xeon W-3245.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX	Xeon W-3245
Cores / Threads	24 / 48+50%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.6 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	64 MB+191%	22 MB
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+3100%	16 MB
Process	12 nm-14%	14 nm
Architecture	Zen+ (2018−2019)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	30,954	31,089
Cinebench R23 Multi	29,045+61%	18,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,240	1,353+9%
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,241	11,698+62%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-3245 uses LGA3647 (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. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 6 (Xeon W-3245). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and C621 (Xeon W-3245).

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX	Xeon W-3245
Socket	TR4	LGA3647
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	6+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	64	64

🔧

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-3245 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-3245). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Xeon W-3245 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Xeon W-3245 rivals Threadripper 2950X.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX	Xeon W-3245
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation	Professional Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX was priced at $1299, while the Xeon W-3245 came in at $2199. On launch pricing ($1299 vs $2199), Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX was $900 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3245 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX the 51.1% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX	Xeon W-3245
MSRP	$1299-41%	$2199
Performance per Dollar	23.8+69%	14.1
Release Date	2018	2019

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