CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Xeon w5-2445
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 w5-2445
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 w5-2445
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 w5-2445
The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon w5-2445 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 22 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2445 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX scores 31,945 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon w5-2445. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 33,213 vs 15,500 (72.7% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,206 vs 1,822, a 40.7% lead for the Xeon w5-2445 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,612 vs 10,719 (33.9% advantage for the Xeon w5-2445). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+220% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.6 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+144% | 26.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 12 nm | Intel 7 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 31,945 | 32,213 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,213+114% | 15,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,206 | 1,822+51% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,612 | 10,719+41% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (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 w5-2445 — the Xeon w5-2445 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 2048 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB | 2048 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-2445 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 w5-2445). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation, Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE; Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Xeon w5-2445 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Content Creation | Professional Workstation |
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