Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs EPYC 9255
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
EPYC 9255
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 3990X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9255
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+40%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) |
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 3990X and EPYC 9255
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.
EPYC 9255
The EPYC 9255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 75,809 points. Launch price was $2,495.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the EPYC 9255 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 40 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 — a 11% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.25 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 9255 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X scores 79,889 against the EPYC 9255's 75,809 — a 5.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. L3 cache: 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+167% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.25 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB+100% | 128 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Turin (2024) |
| PassMark | 79,889+5% | 75,809 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 64,366 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,961 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,045 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9255 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 4800 on the EPYC 9255 — the EPYC 9255 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 12 (EPYC 9255). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 128 (EPYC 9255) — the EPYC 9255 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) and SP5 (EPYC 9255).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+4368967% | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 12+200% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 88 | 128+45% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9255 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9255). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE; EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X launched at $3990 MSRP, while the EPYC 9255 debuted at $2495. At current prices ($2850 vs $1934), the EPYC 9255 is $916 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 39.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 9255 — making the EPYC 9255 the 33.2% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990 | $2495-37% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2850 | $1934-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0 | 39.2+40% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2024 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen Threadripper 3990X and EPYC 9255
