CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Xeon Platinum 8168
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 Platinum 8168
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Platinum 8168 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Platinum 8168 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Platinum 8168
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 Platinum 8168
The Xeon Platinum 8168 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 32,373 points. Launch price was $5,890.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8168 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8168 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (base: 3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8168 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Xeon Platinum 8168's 32,373 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8168. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 33 MB on the Xeon Platinum 8168.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Platinum 8168 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+14% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+11% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+94% | 33 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 24 MB+4700% |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 32,373+1% |
| 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 Xeon Platinum 8168 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 2666 on the Xeon Platinum 8168 — the Xeon Platinum 8168 supports 199.4% 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 768 — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 6 (Xeon Platinum 8168). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs 48 (Xeon Platinum 8168) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and C621 (Xeon Platinum 8168).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Platinum 8168 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | 2666+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+279620167% | 768 |
| 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 Platinum 8168 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8168). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE; Xeon Platinum 8168 rivals EPYC 7501.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon Platinum 8168 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | — |
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