Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
Xeon 6960P
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX vs Xeon 6960P 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 7985WX vs Xeon 6960P 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX vs Xeon 6960P: 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 7985WX
2023Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +23.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $2,276 less on MSRP ($7,349 MSRP vs $9,625 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 33.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($7,349 MSRP vs $9,625 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 350W instead of 500W, a 150W reduction.
- ✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 96) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (24,780 vs 60,000).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 432 MB).
Xeon 6960P
2024Why buy it
- ✅+142.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
- ✅+68.8% larger total L3 cache (432 MB vs 256 MB).
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($9,625 MSRP vs $7,349 MSRP).
- ❌42.9% higher power demand at 500W vs 350W.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX better than Xeon 6960P?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX vs Xeon 6960P Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 133,149 points. Launch price was $7,349.
Xeon 6960P
The Xeon 6960P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2024-09-24. It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 72 cores and 144 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 432 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA7529. Thermal design power (TDP): 500 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 130,659 points. Launch price was $9,625.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Xeon 6960P offers 72 cores / 144 threads — the Xeon 6960P has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon 6960P — a 26.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX uses the Storm Peak (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Xeon 6960P uses Granite Rapids (2024−2025) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX scores 133,149 against the Xeon 6960P's 130,659 — a 1.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,599 vs 2,100, a 21.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 24,780 vs 60,000 (83.1% advantage for the Xeon 6960P). L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX vs 432 MB (total) on the Xeon 6960P.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 72 / 144+13% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+31% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+19% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total) | 432 MB (total)+69% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm | Intel 3 nm-40% |
| Architecture | Storm Peak (2023) | Granite Rapids (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 133,149+2% | 130,659 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 100,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,599+24% | 2,100 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 24,780 | 60,000+142% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon 6960P uses LGA7529 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX versus DDR5-6400 on the Xeon 6960P — the Xeon 6960P supports 23.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon 6960P supports up to 3072 GB of RAM compared to 2048 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX) vs 12 (Xeon 6960P). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX) vs 96 (Xeon 6960P) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX) and Intel 600 Series (Xeon 6960P).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | LGA7529 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-6400+23% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB | 3072 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+33% | 96 |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon 6960P). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX targets High-end Workstation, Xeon 6960P targets Server. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX rivals Xeon w9-3475X; Xeon 6960P rivals EPYC 9654.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High-end Workstation | Server |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX was priced at $7349, while the Xeon 6960P came in at $9625. On launch pricing ($7349 vs $9625), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX was $2276 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Xeon 6960P — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX the 28.7% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $7349-24% | $9625 |
| Performance per Dollar | 18.1+33% | 13.6 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX and Xeon 6960P
