CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Core i9-10980XE
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 2990WX
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($620) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($620) |
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 2990WX and Core i9-10980XE
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 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: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.
Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core i9-10980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-10980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i9-10980XE uses Cascade Lake-X (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Core i9-10980XE's 32,187 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-10980XE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 33,213 vs 24,309 (31% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 1,242, a 2.9% lead for the Core i9-10980XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 16,275 (72.5% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+78% | 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 (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Cascade Lake-X (2019) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 32,187 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213+37% | 24,309 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | 1,242+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | 16,275+114% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-10980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 48 (Core i9-10980XE) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and X299 (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+700% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+33% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs Yes (Core i9-10980XE). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX launched at $1799 MSRP, while the Core i9-10980XE debuted at $979. At current prices ($1247 vs $620), the Core i9-10980XE is $627 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 51.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-10980XE — making the Core i9-10980XE the 67.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1799 | $979-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1247 | $620-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.6 | 51.9+103% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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