Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Xeon w9-3475X

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

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

Xeon w9-3475X

36 Cores72 Thrd300 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Xeon w9-3475X 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 Xeon w9-3475X 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 Xeon w9-3475X: 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: +25.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 280W instead of 300W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (13,739 vs 44,869).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 17.4 PassMark/$ ($4,491 MSRP vs $3,739 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Xeon w9-3475X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w9-3475X

2023

Why buy it

  • +226.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Costs $752 less on MSRP ($3,739 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • Delivers 24.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.4 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($3,739 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
  • 75% more PCIe lanes (112 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.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w9-3475X better than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is ahead with a 25.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w9-3475X pulls ahead with 226.6% better Geekbench multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 3970X also has the bigger cache pool with 55.2% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 83 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w9-3475X is the stronger fit. You are getting 226.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 36 cores and 72 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon w9-3475X is the better buy right now. Xeon w9-3475X comes in $752 cheaper on MSRP at $3,739 MSRP versus $4,491 MSRP, and it still gives you 226.6% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 25.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 24.2% better value on MSRP (17.4 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon w9-3475X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of TR4, more multi-core headroom with 36 cores / 72 threads instead of 32/64, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs Xeon w9-3475X 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.

Intel

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.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XXeon 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)+25500%
2 MB (per core)
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 50% 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 1500% 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).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XXeon w9-3475X
Socket
TR4
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR5-4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
4096 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
4
8+100%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
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.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XXeon w9-3475X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
true
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was priced at $4491, while the Xeon w9-3475X came in at $3739. On launch pricing ($4491 vs $3739), Xeon w9-3475X was $752 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 17.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3475X — making the Xeon w9-3475X the 21.6% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 3970XXeon w9-3475X
MSRP
$4491
$3739-17%
Performance per Dollar
14.0
17.4+24%
Release Date
2019
2023

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