Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Core i9-12900HX
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Core i9-12900HX
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 i9-12900HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+514%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
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 PRO 3945WX and Core i9-12900HX
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 i9-12900HX
The Core i9-12900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,018 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-12900HX offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900HX (base: 4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the Castle Peak (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i9-12900HX uses Alder Lake-HX (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX scores 33,455 against the Core i9-12900HX's 33,018 — a 1.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,500 vs 23,150 (22.3% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,652 vs 2,426, a 38% lead for the Core i9-12900HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,500 vs 14,620 (23.9% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900HX.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 24+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 5 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+74% | 2.3 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-HX (2022) |
| PassMark | 33,455+1% | 33,018 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,500 | 23,150+25% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,652 | 2,426+47% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,500 | 14,620+27% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX — the Core i9-12900HX supports 22.2% 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 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 2 (Core i9-12900HX). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 48 (Core i9-12900HX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 80 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sWRX8 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+167% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HX). The Core i9-12900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation, Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X; Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Professional Workstation | High-end Mobile Performance |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX launched at $1149 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900HX debuted at $606.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1149 | $606-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | — |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
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