Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Xeon 6740E
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Xeon 6740E 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 3990X vs Xeon 6740E 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Xeon 6740E: 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 3990X
2019Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +16.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 96 MB).
- ✅Costs $1,275 less on MSRP ($3,990 MSRP vs $5,265 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 38.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.0 vs 14.5 PassMark/$ ($3,990 MSRP vs $5,265 MSRP).
- ✅10% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Xeon 6740E moves to LGA4710 and DDR5.
- ❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.
Xeon 6740E
2024Why buy it
- ✅Draws 250W instead of 280W, a 30W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on LGA4710 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
- ✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (76,167 vs 79,889).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (96 MB vs 256 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.5 vs 20.0 PassMark/$ ($5,265 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 3990X better than Xeon 6740E?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Xeon 6740E Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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)+12700% | 4 MB (per module) |
| 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 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon 6740E supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 1500% 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+100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 4096 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| 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
At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X was priced at $3990, while the Xeon 6740E came in at $5265. On launch pricing ($3990 vs $5265), Ryzen Threadripper 3990X was $1275 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 20.0 pts/$ vs 14.5 pts/$ for the Xeon 6740E — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X the 32.2% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon 6740E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990-24% | $5265 |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.0+38% | 14.5 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2024 |
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