Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Xeon Platinum 8380
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Xeon Platinum 8380
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 3970X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Platinum 8380
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($965) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+361%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($965) |
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 3970X and Xeon Platinum 8380
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.
Xeon Platinum 8380
The Xeon Platinum 8380 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2021-04-06. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 40 cores and 80 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,318 points. Launch price was $5,846.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8380 offers 40 cores / 80 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8380 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8380 — a 27.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8380 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X scores 62,946 against the Xeon Platinum 8380's 62,318 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,664 vs 1,300, a 24.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,739 vs 40,000 (97.7% advantage for the Xeon Platinum 8380). L3 cache: 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 40 / 80+25% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+32% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+61% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB+113% | 60 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 62,946+1% | 62,318 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 44,510 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,664+28% | 1,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,739 | 40,000+191% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8380 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Xeon Platinum 8380 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 8 (Xeon Platinum 8380). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) and C621A (Xeon Platinum 8380).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 6144 GB+2300% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Platinum 8380 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8380). Primary use case: Xeon Platinum 8380 targets Datacenter. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Xeon Platinum 8380 rivals EPYC 7543.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Datacenter |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X launched at $4491 MSRP, while the Xeon Platinum 8380 debuted at $2010. At current prices ($4491 vs $965), the Xeon Platinum 8380 is $3526 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 64.6 pts/$ for the Xeon Platinum 8380 — making the Xeon Platinum 8380 the 128.7% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon Platinum 8380 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4491 | $2010-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $4491 | $965-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.0 | 64.6+361% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2021 |
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