Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Ryzen 5 5600X
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+107%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
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.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 4 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the Castle Peak (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX scores 33,455 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 42% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+100% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+8% | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+100% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Castle Peak (2020) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 33,455+53% | 21,845 |
| 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 Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. 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 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sWRX8 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Professional Workstation | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX launched at $1149 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($100 vs $135), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX delivers 334.6 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX the 69.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1149 | $299-74% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100-26% | $135 |
| Performance per Dollar | 334.6+107% | 161.8 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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