CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Xeon 6740E
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 Xeon 6740E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sierra Forest (2024) / Intel 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+45%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) |
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 Xeon 6740E
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.
Xeon 6740E
The Xeon 6740E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB (per module). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 76,167 points. Launch price was $5,265.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Xeon 6740E offers 96 cores / 96 threads — the Xeon 6740E has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 6740E — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon 6740E uses Sierra Forest (2024) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X scores 79,889 against the Xeon 6740E's 76,167 — a 4.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. L3 cache: 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs 96 MB (total) on the Xeon 6740E.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 96 / 96+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+34% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+21% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB+167% | 96 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 4 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Sierra Forest (2024) |
| PassMark | 79,889+5% | 76,167 |
| 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 Xeon 6740E uses LGA4710 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 6400 on the Xeon 6740E — the Xeon 6740E supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon 6740E supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 8 (Xeon 6740E). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 80 (Xeon 6740E) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) and C741 (Xeon 6740E).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4710 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 6400+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+6553500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 88+10% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon 6740E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs VT-x, VT-d, TDX (Xeon 6740E). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Xeon 6740E rivals EPYC 9005.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, TDX |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X launched at $3990 MSRP, while the Xeon 6740E debuted at $5265. At current prices ($2850 vs $3949), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is $1099 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Xeon 6740E — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X the 37% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990-24% | $5265 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2850-28% | $3949 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0+45% | 19.3 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2024 |
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