Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+297%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
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.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 52 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 11% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X scores 79,889 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 68.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 64,366 vs 21,000 (101.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,961 vs 2,174, a 10.3% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,045 vs 11,888 (59.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). L3 cache: 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+433% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB+300% | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 79,889+105% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 64,366+207% | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,961 | 2,174+11% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,045+85% | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 88+267% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X launched at $3990 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($2850 vs $350), the Ryzen 9 5900X is $2500 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 119.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990 | $549-86% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2850 | $350-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0 | 111.3+298% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2020 |
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