Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2019
Threadripper family
·
VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2020
Threadripper Pro family
··

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX Performance Spectrum

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +28.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 46.6 PassMark/$ ($4,491 MSRP vs $1,337 MSRP).

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $3,154 less on MSRP ($1,337 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • Delivers 232.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.6 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($1,337 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (42,986 vs 44,510).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 3970X better than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX?
Yes. Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 28.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 1.1% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 28.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper 3970X comes in 235.9% more expensive on MSRP at $4,491 MSRP versus $1,337 MSRP, and it still gives you a 28.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is also 232.2% better value on MSRP (46.6 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019). That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2020-07-14. It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,261 points. Launch price was $4,499.

Processing Power

Both the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture using a 7 nm, 12 nm process. In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X scores 62,946 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX's 62,261 — a 1.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 44,510 vs 42,986 (3.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,664 vs 1,260, a 27.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,739 vs 25,211 (58.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX). Both processors carry 128 MB of L3 cache.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX
Cores / Threads
32 / 64
32 / 64
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+7%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+6%
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
128 MB
128 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Matisse (2019−2020)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
62,946+1%
62,261
Cinebench R23 Multi
44,510+4%
42,986
Geekbench 6 Single
1,664+32%
1,260
Geekbench 6 Multi
13,739
25,211+83%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) and AMD WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX
Socket
TR4
sWRX8
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
2048 GB+700%
RAM Channels
4
8+100%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
64
128+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX rivals Xeon W-3375.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was priced at $4491, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX came in at $1337. On launch pricing ($4491 vs $1337), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX was $3154 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 46.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX the 107.5% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX
MSRP
$4491
$1337-70%
Performance per Dollar
14.0
46.6+233%
Release Date
2019
2020

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