Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Core i9-12900
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Core i9-12900
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 PRO 3945WX
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+317%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) |
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.
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX and Core i9-12900
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 33,455 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i9-12900
The Core i9-12900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,695 points. Launch price was $489.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-12900 offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 — a 17% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the Castle Peak (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i9-12900 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX scores 33,455 against the Core i9-12900's 33,695 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-12900. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 24+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 5.1 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+67% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Castle Peak (2020) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 33,455 | 33,695 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,652 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,500 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus 4800 on the Core i9-12900 — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 2 (Core i9-12900). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 20 (Core i9-12900) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) and Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sWRX8 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1677721500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+540% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900). The Core i9-12900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X; Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Professional Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX launched at $1149 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900 debuted at $519. At current prices ($100 vs $420), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is $320 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX delivers 334.6 pts/$ vs 80.2 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900 — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX the 122.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1149 | $519-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100-76% | $420 |
| Performance per Dollar | 334.6+317% | 80.2 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
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