CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Xeon Gold 6254
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 Gold 6254
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Gold 6254 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Gold 6254 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gold 6254
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 Gold 6254
The Xeon Gold 6254 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 18 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 32,334 points. Launch price was $3,803.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6254 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 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6254 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6254 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Xeon Gold 6254's 32,334 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6254. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 33,213 vs 21,000 (45.1% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 1,365, a 12.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6254 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 10,950 (36% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6254). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 24.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6254.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Gold 6254 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+78% | 18 / 36 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+5% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+159% | 24.75 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 18 MB+3500% |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 32,334+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213+58% | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | 1,365+13% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | 10,950+44% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6254 uses LGA3647 (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 1024 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6254). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6254) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and C620 (Xeon Gold 6254).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Gold 6254 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+100% | 1024 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+33% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6254 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6254). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Xeon Gold 6254 targets Enterprise Server / Database. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE; Xeon Gold 6254 rivals EPYC 7302.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Gold 6254 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | Enterprise Server / Database |
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