Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX vs Xeon Gold 6338

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

12 Cores24 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2022
Threadripper Pro family
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6338

32 Cores64 Thrd205 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX vs Xeon Gold 6338 Performance Spectrum

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 5945WX vs Xeon Gold 6338 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 5945WX vs Xeon Gold 6338: 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 5945WX

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +41.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 48 MB).
  • Costs $591 less on MSRP ($2,399 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
  • Delivers 24.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.7 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($2,399 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (40,126 vs 40,225).
  • 36.6% higher power demand at 280W vs 205W.

Xeon Gold 6338

2021

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 205W instead of 280W, a 75W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (48 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 16.7 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $2,399 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX better than Xeon Gold 6338?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX is ahead with a 41.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6338 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 48 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6338 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX comes in $591 cheaper on MSRP at $2,399 MSRP versus $2,990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 41.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6338 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 24.3% better value on MSRP (16.7 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 48 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX vs Xeon Gold 6338 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 March 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Chagall PRO (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,126 points. Launch price was $499.

Intel

Xeon Gold 6338

The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX (base: 4.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX is built on the Chagall PRO (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX scores 40,126 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 5945WXXeon Gold 6338
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
32 / 64+167%
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+41%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
4.1 GHz+105%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+33%
48 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
Process
7 nm-30%
10 nm
Architecture
Chagall PRO (2022)
PassMark
40,126
40,225
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 3200 memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 5945WXXeon Gold 6338
Socket
sWRX8
LGA4189
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
3200
3200
Max RAM Capacity
2048
6144+200%
RAM Channels
8
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+100%
64
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6338). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX rivals Xeon W-3335; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 5945WXXeon Gold 6338
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX was priced at $2399, while the Xeon Gold 6338 came in at $2990. On launch pricing ($2399 vs $2990), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX was $591 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX delivers 16.7 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX the 21.7% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 5945WXXeon Gold 6338
MSRP
$2399-20%
$2990
Performance per Dollar
16.7+24%
13.5
Release Date
2022
2021

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