CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Xeon E-2488
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 Xeon E-2488
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Xeon E-2488
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.
Xeon E-2488
The Xeon E-2488 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 31,888 points. Launch price was $606.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon E-2488 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 5.6 GHz on the Xeon E-2488 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2488 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon E-2488 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Xeon E-2488's 31,888 — a 0.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 33,213 vs 15,000 (75.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 2,100, a 54.1% lead for the Xeon E-2488 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 12,000 (44.7% advantage for the Xeon E-2488). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2488.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+300% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 5.6 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 12 nm | Intel 7 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 31,888 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213+121% | 15,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | 2,100+74% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | 12,000+58% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E-2488 uses LGA1700 (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 Xeon E-2488 — the Xeon E-2488 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 (Xeon E-2488). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 20 (Xeon E-2488) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and W680 (Xeon E-2488).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1700 |
| 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
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, EPT (Xeon E-2488). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Xeon E-2488 targets Entry-level Server / Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE; Xeon E-2488 rivals Xeon E-2388G.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon E-2488 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | Entry-level Server / Workstation |
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