Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Xeon Max 9480
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Xeon Max 9480
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 Max 9480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($12,980) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+339%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($12,980) |
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 Max 9480
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 Max 9480
The Xeon Max 9480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 112.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,913 points. Launch price was $12,980.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Xeon Max 9480 offers 56 cores / 112 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Max 9480 — a 20.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X scores 79,889 against the Xeon Max 9480's 82,913 — a 3.7% lead for the Xeon Max 9480. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,961 vs 1,900, a 3.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,045 vs 55,000 (85.5% advantage for the Xeon Max 9480). L3 cache: 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs 112.5 MB on the Xeon Max 9480.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+14% | 56 / 112 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+23% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+53% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB+128% | 112.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) |
| PassMark | 79,889 | 82,913+4% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 64,366 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,961+3% | 1,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,045 | 55,000+149% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Max 9480 — the Xeon Max 9480 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Max 9480 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 8 (Xeon Max 9480). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 80 (Xeon Max 9480) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) and C741 (Xeon Max 9480).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 4096 GB+1500% |
| 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 Max 9480 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Max 9480). Primary use case: Xeon Max 9480 targets HPC Server. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE; Xeon Max 9480 rivals EPYC 9684X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | HPC Server |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X launched at $3990 MSRP, while the Xeon Max 9480 debuted at $12980. At current prices ($2850 vs $12980), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is $10130 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 6.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Max 9480 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X the 125.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990-69% | $12980 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2850-78% | $12980 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0+338% | 6.4 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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