Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs Xeon w5-3535X

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

12 Cores24 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper Pro family
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VS
Intel

Xeon w5-3535X

20 Cores40 Thrd300 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024
Similar parts
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Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs Xeon w5-3535X 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 9945WX vs Xeon w5-3535X 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 9945WX vs Xeon w5-3535X: 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 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +21.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 53 MB).
  • Costs $359 less on MSRP ($1,340 MSRP vs $1,699 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.4 vs 32.7 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $1,699 MSRP).
  • 14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 16.7% higher power demand at 350W vs 300W.

Xeon w5-3535X

2024

Why buy it

  • Draws 300W instead of 350W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (55,532 vs 56,854).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (53 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.7 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($1,699 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX better than Xeon w5-3535X?
Yes. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.4% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 21.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 53 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX comes in $359 cheaper on MSRP at $1,340 MSRP versus $1,699 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.8% better value on MSRP (42.4 vs 32.7 PassMark/$), 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 9945WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024), 21.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 53 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 20/40. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs Xeon w5-3535X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon w5-3535X

The Xeon w5-3535X 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 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 55,532 points. Launch price was $1,689.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w5-3535X offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon w5-3535X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3535X — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 4.7 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX scores 56,854 against the Xeon w5-3535X's 55,532 — a 2.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon w5-3535X.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 9945WXXeon w5-3535X
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
20 / 40+67%
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz+13%
4.8 GHz
Base Clock
4.7 GHz+62%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+22%
52.5 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
4 nm-43%
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Shimada Peak (2025)
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
56,854+2%
55,532
Geekbench 6 Single
2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi
30,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3535X — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3535X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 2048 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs 4 (Xeon w5-3535X). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3535X) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) and W790 (Xeon w5-3535X).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 9945WXXeon w5-3535X
Socket
sTR5
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
6400+33%
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB
4096 GB+100%
RAM Channels
8+100%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+14%
112
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-3535X). Primary use case: Xeon w5-3535X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545; Xeon w5-3535X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 9945WXXeon w5-3535X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX was priced at $1340, while the Xeon w5-3535X came in at $1699. On launch pricing ($1340 vs $1699), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX was $359 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX delivers 42.4 pts/$ vs 32.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3535X — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX the 25.9% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 9945WXXeon w5-3535X
MSRP
$1340-21%
$1699
Performance per Dollar
42.4+30%
32.7
Release Date
2025
2024

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