CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Core Ultra 5 235T
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 Ultra 5 235T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($247) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+407%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($247) |
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 Ultra 5 235T
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 Ultra 5 235T
The Core Ultra 5 235T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 32,053 points. Launch price was $247.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 235T offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235T — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Core Ultra 5 235T's 32,053 — a 0.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 2,760, a 78.4% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 12,900 (51.6% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 235T.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+129% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 5 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+36% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+500% |
| Process | 12 nm | 3 nm-75% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 32,053 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | 2,760+129% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | 12,900+69% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235T — the Core Ultra 5 235T 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 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 235T). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 235T) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235T).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+967% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+167% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 235T). The Core Ultra 5 235T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Core Ultra 5 235T targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX launched at $1799 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 235T debuted at $247. At current prices ($1247 vs $247), the Core Ultra 5 235T is $1000 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 129.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 235T — making the Core Ultra 5 235T the 134.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1799 | $247-86% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1247 | $247-80% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.6 | 129.8+407% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2025 |
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