Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs Xeon w9-3495X

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

24 Cores48 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.3 GHz2023
Threadripper family
Β·
VS
Intel

Xeon w9-3495X

56 Cores112 Thrd350 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2023
Similar parts

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs Xeon w9-3495X 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 7960X vs Xeon w9-3495X 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.

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs Xeon w9-3495X: 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 7960X

2023

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +11.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+21.9% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 105 MB).
  • βœ…Costs $4,390 less on MSRP ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,889 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 262.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,889 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (65,824 vs 72,560).

Xeon w9-3495X

2023

Why buy it

  • βœ…+10.2% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • βœ…27.3% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 88) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 7960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (105 MB vs 128 MB).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 55.7 PassMark/$ ($5,889 MSRP vs $1,499 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w9-3495X better than Ryzen Threadripper 7960X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is ahead with a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w9-3495X pulls ahead with 10.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 7960X also has the bigger cache pool with 21.9% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 105 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w9-3495X is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 56 cores and 112 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon w9-3495X is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon w9-3495X comes in 292.9% more expensive on MSRP at $5,889 MSRP versus $1,499 MSRP, and it still gives you 10.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is also 262.9% better value on MSRP (55.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon w9-3495X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 56 cores / 112 threads instead of 24/48. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs Xeon w9-3495X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 83,554 points. Launch price was $1,499.

Intel

Xeon w9-3495X

The Xeon w9-3495X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 105 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 90,441 points. Launch price was $5,889.

⚑

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w9-3495X offers 56 cores / 112 threads β€” the Xeon w9-3495X has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3495X β€” a 9.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X (base: 4.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses the Storm Peak (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Xeon w9-3495X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X scores 83,554 against the Xeon w9-3495X's 90,441 β€” a 7.9% lead for the Xeon w9-3495X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 65,824 vs 72,560 (9.7% advantage for the Xeon w9-3495X). Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 2,780 vs 2,136, a 26.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 24,000 vs 18,600 (25.4% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs 105 MB on the Xeon w9-3495X.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7960XXeon w9-3495X
Cores / Threads
24 / 48
56 / 112+133%
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz+10%
4.8 GHz
Base Clock
4.2 GHz+121%
1.9 GHz
L3 Cache
128 MB (total)+22%
105 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
5 nm-29%
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Storm Peak (2023)
Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024)
PassMark
83,554
90,441+8%
Cinebench R23 Multi
65,824
72,560+10%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,780+30%
2,136
Geekbench 6 Multi
24,000+29%
18,600
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w9-3495X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w9-3495X β€” the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w9-3495X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 1024 GB β€” 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X) vs 8 (Xeon w9-3495X). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X) vs 112 (Xeon w9-3495X) β€” the Xeon w9-3495X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X) and W790 (Xeon w9-3495X).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7960XXeon w9-3495X
Socket
sTR5
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200+8%
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
1024 GB
4096 GB+300%
RAM Channels
4
8+100%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
88
112+27%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support true virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon w9-3495X targets Ultimate Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 7960X rivals Xeon w7-3445; Xeon w9-3495X rivals Threadripper PRO 7995WX.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7960XXeon w9-3495X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
β€”
Unlocked
Yes
β€”
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
true
true
Target Use
β€”
Ultimate Workstation
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X was priced at $1499, while the Xeon w9-3495X came in at $5889. On launch pricing ($1499 vs $5889), Ryzen Threadripper 7960X was $4390 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X delivers 55.7 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3495X β€” making the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X the 113.6% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7960XXeon w9-3495X
MSRP
$1499-75%
$5889
Performance per Dollar
55.7+262%
15.4
Release Date
2023
2023

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