Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX vs Core i7-9700K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Core i7-9700K
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 3955WX
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,130) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+104%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,130) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 3955WX and Core i7-9700K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 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: 39,929 points. Launch price was $1,149.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 13% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses the Castle Peak (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX scores 39,929 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 94% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+100% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+8% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+433% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Castle Peak (2020) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 39,929+177% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 112 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sWRX8 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+79900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 128 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+700% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX rivals Xeon Silver 4314.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX launched at $1149 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($1130 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $930 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX delivers 35.3 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 68.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1149 | $385-66% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1130 | $200-82% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.3 | 72.0+104% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2018 |
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