CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+532%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
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.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 26 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 37.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+433% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.6 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+100% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 31,945+46% | 21,845 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — 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 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+167% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX launched at $1799 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($1247 vs $135), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $1112 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 145.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1799 | $299-83% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1247 | $135-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.6 | 161.8+532% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2020 |
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