Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Xeon w9-3475X
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Xeon w9-3475X
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 w9-3475X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($3,930) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($3,930) |
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 w9-3475X
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 w9-3475X
The Xeon w9-3475X 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 36 cores and 72 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 82.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 65,077 points. Launch price was $3,739.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon w9-3475X offers 36 cores / 72 threads — the Xeon w9-3475X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3475X — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w9-3475X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon w9-3475X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X scores 62,946 against the Xeon w9-3475X's 65,077 — a 3.3% lead for the Xeon w9-3475X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,664 vs 1,814, a 8.6% lead for the Xeon w9-3475X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,739 vs 44,869 (106.2% advantage for the Xeon w9-3475X). L3 cache: 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs 82.5 MB on the Xeon w9-3475X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 36 / 72+13% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.8 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+68% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB+55% | 82.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 62,946 | 65,077+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 44,510 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,664 | 1,814+9% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,739 | 44,869+227% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w9-3475X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w9-3475X — the Xeon w9-3475X supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w9-3475X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 8 (Xeon w9-3475X). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 112 (Xeon w9-3475X) — the Xeon w9-3475X offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) and W790 (Xeon w9-3475X).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 4096 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 112+75% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w9-3475X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Xeon w9-3475X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X launched at $4491 MSRP, while the Xeon w9-3475X debuted at $3739. At current prices ($4491 vs $3930), the Xeon w9-3475X is $561 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 16.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3475X — making the Xeon w9-3475X the 16.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4491 | $3739-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $4491 | $3930-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.0 | 16.6+19% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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