Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Ryzen 5 3600
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 9945WX
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+421%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 9945WX and Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 25% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 4.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX scores 56,854 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 105.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+100% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+29% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz+31% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+100% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Shimada Peak (2025) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 56,854+221% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+159900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 128 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX launched at $1340 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($1340 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $1260 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX delivers 42.4 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 135.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1340 | $199-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1340 | $80-94% |
| Performance per Dollar | 42.4 | 221.1+421% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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