Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Xeon w3-2535

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Xeon w3-2535 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

12 / 24

33,455

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

Ryzen 9 9950X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Xeon w3-2535

10 / 20

33,367

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 PRO 3945WX vs Xeon w3-2535 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 PRO 3945WX vs Xeon w3-2535: 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 PRO 3945WX

2020

Why buy it

✅+5.7% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+143.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 26 MB).
✅100% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,652 vs 2,254).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.1 vs 45.2 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
❌51.4% higher power demand at 280W vs 185W.
❌Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while Xeon w3-2535 moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w3-2535

2024

Why buy it

✅+36.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $410 less on MSRP ($739 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Delivers 55.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.2 vs 29.1 PassMark/$ ($739 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Draws 185W instead of 280W, a 95W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,500 vs 18,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (26 MB vs 64 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w3-2535 better than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon w3-2535 is ahead with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX pulls ahead with 5.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX also has the bigger cache pool with 143.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 26 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 143.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 26 MB).

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

Xeon w3-2535 is the better buy right now. Xeon w3-2535 comes in $410 cheaper on MSRP at $739 MSRP versus $1,149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 5.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 55.1% better value on MSRP (45.2 vs 29.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon w3-2535 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of sWRX8, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs Xeon w3-2535 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon w3-2535

The Xeon w3-2535 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 33,367 points. Launch price was $739.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w3-2535 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w3-2535 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2535 (base: 4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the Castle Peak (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX scores 33,455 against the Xeon w3-2535's 33,367 — a 0.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,500 vs 17,500 (5.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,652 vs 2,254, a 30.8% lead for the Xeon w3-2535 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,500 vs 12,400 (7.5% advantage for the Xeon w3-2535). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w3-2535.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX	Xeon w3-2535
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+20%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.6 GHz+7%
Base Clock	4 GHz+14%	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	64 MB+144%	26.25 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+300%
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Castle Peak (2020)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	33,455	33,367
Cinebench R23 Multi	18,500+6%	17,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,652	2,254+36%
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,500	12,400+8%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2535 — the Xeon w3-2535 supports 37.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 2048 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2535). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2535) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) and W790 (Xeon w3-2535).

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX	Xeon w3-2535
Socket	sWRX8	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR5-4400+38%
Max RAM Capacity	2048 GB	2048 GB
RAM Channels	8+100%	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128+100%	64

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w3-2535 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w3-2535). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation, Xeon w3-2535 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X; Xeon w3-2535 rivals EPYC 7313.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX	Xeon w3-2535
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Professional Workstation	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX was priced at $1149, while the Xeon w3-2535 came in at $739. On launch pricing ($1149 vs $739), Xeon w3-2535 was $410 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX delivers 29.1 pts/$ vs 45.2 pts/$ for the Xeon w3-2535 — making the Xeon w3-2535 the 43.2% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX	Xeon w3-2535
MSRP	$1149	$739-36%
Performance per Dollar	29.1	45.2+55%
Release Date	2020	2024

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