Ryzen Threadripper 7980X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

64 Cores128 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2023
Threadripper family
·
VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

64 Cores128 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper family
·

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 7980X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 7980X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: 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 7980X

2023

Why buy it

  • 10% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (3,050 vs 3,220).
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (98,427 vs 115,098).

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

2025

Why buy it

  • +5.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than Ryzen Threadripper 7980X?
Yes. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 16.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 4.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger fit. You are getting 16.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $4,999 MSRP versus $4,999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.5% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 27.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 64/128. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 7980X 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 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 256 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: 135,949 points. Launch price was $4,999.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.

Processing Power

Both the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and Ryzen Threadripper 9980X share an identical 64-core/128-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 7980X uses the Storm Peak (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X scores 135,949 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 4.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 98,427 vs 115,098 (15.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,050 vs 3,220, a 5.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 26,000 vs 28,666 (9.8% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Both processors carry 256 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7980XRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Cores / Threads
64 / 128
64 / 128
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
5.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)
256 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
5 nm
4 nm-20%
Architecture
Storm Peak (2023)
Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark
135,949
142,069+5%
Cinebench R23 Multi
98,427
115,098+17%
Geekbench 6 Single
3,050
3,220+6%
Geekbench 6 Multi
26,000
28,666+10%
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the sTR5 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports 23.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 1024 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7980XRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Socket
sTR5
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200
DDR5-6400+23%
Max RAM Capacity
1024 GB
1 TB
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
88+10%
80
🔧

Advanced Features

Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 7980X targets High-end Desktop / Content Creation, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 7980X rivals Xeon w7-3465X; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7980XRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
true
AMD-V, SVM
Target Use
High-end Desktop / Content Creation
HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X was priced at $4999, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X came in at $4999. On launch pricing ($4999 vs $4999), Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X delivers 27.2 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 4.4% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper 7980XRyzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP
$4999
$4999
Performance per Dollar
27.2
28.4+4%
Release Date
2023
2025

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