Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Xeon w9-3495X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Xeon w9-3495X Performance Spectrum

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

24 / 48

92,808

+2.6%

Ryzen 9 9850HX

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Xeon w9-3495X

56 / 112

90,441

0.0%

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 9960X 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 9960X 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 9960X

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+21.9% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 105 MB).
✅Costs $4,390 less on MSRP ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,889 MSRP).
✅Delivers 303.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 61.9 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,889 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (41,000 vs 72,560).

Xeon w9-3495X

2023

Why buy it

✅+77% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅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 9960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (105 MB vs 128 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 61.9 PassMark/$ ($5,889 MSRP vs $1,499 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9960X better than Xeon w9-3495X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is ahead with a 11.6% 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 77% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper 9960X 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 77% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 56 cores and 112 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 9960X comes in $4,390 cheaper on MSRP at $1,499 MSRP versus $5,889 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon w9-3495X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 77% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 303.1% better value on MSRP (61.9 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), 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 9960X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and 21.9% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 105 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Xeon w9-3495X Technical Specifications

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

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X 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 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 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 92,808 points. Launch price was $1,499.

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 (2023−2024) 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 9960X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w9-3495X offers 56 cores / 112 threads — the Xeon w9-3495X has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3495X — a 9.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X (base: 4.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon w9-3495X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X scores 92,808 against the Xeon w9-3495X's 90,441 — a 2.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 41,000 vs 72,560 (55.6% advantage for the Xeon w9-3495X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,200 vs 2,136, a 39.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 26,000 vs 18,600 (33.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X). L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs 105 MB on the Xeon w9-3495X.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 9960X	Xeon 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	4 nm-43%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Shimada Peak (2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	92,808+3%	90,441
Cinebench R23 Multi	41,000	72,560+77%
Geekbench 6 Single	3,200+50%	2,136
Geekbench 6 Multi	26,000+40%	18,600

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w9-3495X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w9-3495X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X supports 33.3% 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 — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) vs 8 (Xeon w9-3495X). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) vs 112 (Xeon w9-3495X) — the Xeon w9-3495X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) and W790 (Xeon w9-3495X).

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 9960X	Xeon w9-3495X
Socket	sTR5	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+33%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	1024 GB	4096 GB+300%
RAM Channels	4	8+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	88	112+27%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support true virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 9960X targets Content Creation / Rendering, Xeon w9-3495X targets Ultimate Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 9960X rivals Xeon w7-3555; Xeon w9-3495X rivals Threadripper PRO 7995WX.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 9960X	Xeon w9-3495X
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	true	true
Target Use	Content Creation / Rendering	Ultimate Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X was priced at $1499, while the Xeon w9-3495X came in at $5889. On launch pricing ($1499 vs $5889), Ryzen Threadripper 9960X was $4390 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X delivers 61.9 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3495X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X the 120.5% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 9960X	Xeon w9-3495X
MSRP	$1499-75%	$5889
Performance per Dollar	61.9+302%	15.4
Release Date	2025	2023

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