Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
VS
Core i9-12950HX

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs Core i9-12950HX

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Core i9-12950HX

16 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2022

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

#375
Ryzen Embedded V2546
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
142%
#376
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399
139%
#377
Core i3-9100HL
MSRP: $225|Avg: $100
135%
#378
Core i9-12900TE
MSRP: $494|Avg: $664
135%
#379
Core i9-9940X
MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850
129%
#380
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836
128%
#381
Ryzen Embedded V1756B
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
127%
#382
Ryzen Embedded R2544
MSRP: $280|Avg: $280
118%
#383
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $4999
111%
#384
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850
109%
#385
Celeron G4900
MSRP: $42|Avg: $85
109%
#386
Ryzen Embedded V3C18I
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
108%
#387
Ryzen Embedded V1807B
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
105%
#388
Ryzen Embedded R2312
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
103%
#389
Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200
102%
#390
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247
100%
#391
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300
93%
#392
Celeron G4920
MSRP: $52|Avg: $115
87%
#393
Core i3-9300T
MSRP: $309|Avg: $309
80%
#394
Ryzen 3 2200GE
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
77%
#395
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491
55%
#396
Ryzen Embedded R2314
MSRP: $300|Avg: $762
30%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12950HX

#42
Ryzen 9 9955HX3D
MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A
112%
#49
Core i9-12900HX
MSRP: $606|Avg: N/A
105%
#54
Core i9-12950HX
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#57
Ryzen AI 9 365
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
96%
#64
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
MSRP: $600|Avg: $600
91%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Use Case Distinction: This is a comparison between a Professional Workstation processor ($1,247) and a Consumer Desktop CPU. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is engineered for massive parallel workloads (rendering, scientific simulations), offering significantly higher core counts.
InsightRyzen Threadripper 2990WXCore i9-12950HX
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm)
✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i9-12950HX ($0), however, is optimized for mixed workloads and gaming. For most users, it offers superior single-thread performance and responsiveness at a fraction of the cost ($1,247 less, 100% cheaper), making it the better choice for daily use and gaming.
InsightRyzen Threadripper 2990WXCore i9-12950HX
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i9-12950HX

AMD

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.

Intel

Core i9-12950HX

The Core i9-12950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,494 points. Launch price was $499.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core i9-12950HX offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12950HX — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-12950HX (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i9-12950HX uses Alder Lake-HX (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Core i9-12950HX's 31,494 — a 1.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 33,213 vs 23,113 (35.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 2,349, a 64.3% lead for the Core i9-12950HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 15,711 (69.5% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12950HX.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2990WXCore i9-12950HX
Cores / Threads
32 / 64+100%
16 / 24
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
5 GHz+19%
Base Clock
3 GHz+30%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+113%
30 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+150%
Process
12 nm
Intel 7 nm-42%
Architecture
Zen+ (2018−2019)
Alder Lake-HX (2022)
PassMark
31,945+1%
31,494
Cinebench R23 Multi
33,213+44%
23,113
Geekbench 6 Single
1,206
2,349+95%
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,612
15,711+106%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12950HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12950HX — the Core i9-12950HX supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 2 (Core i9-12950HX). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 20 (Core i9-12950HX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12950HX).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2990WXCore i9-12950HX
Socket
TR4
FCBGA1964
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933
DDR5-4800+25%
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB+1500%
128 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
64+220%
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12950HX). The Core i9-12950HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Core i9-12950HX targets Mobile Workstation Flagship. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE; Core i9-12950HX rivals Ryzen 9 6980HX.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 2990WXCore i9-12950HX
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Extreme Content Creation
Mobile Workstation Flagship