CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
EPYC 9845
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 9985WX
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9845
Why is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX better than EPYC 9845?
The matchup between the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX and the EPYC 9845 represents two titans of AMD's Zen 5 architecture, tuned for different enterprise environments. The Threadripper PRO 9985WX is the pinnacle of workstation performance, featuring 64 high-frequency cores designed for 3D rendering, scientific simulations, and heavy creative multitasking. The EPYC 9845 is a server beast with a staggering 160 cores, optimized for massive data centers, virtualization, and parallel cloud computing.
Technically, the Threadripper PRO wins on individual core speed and workstation versatility, offering much higher boost clocks (up to 5.4 GHz) which are critical for responsive professional software. The EPYC 9845 wins on absolute density and scale, featuring three times the cores but at lower clock speeds suited for constant, massive parallel workloads. While the Threadripper supports professional ECC memory for workstations, the EPYC platform manages much larger memory capacities and twelve-channel DDR5 for mission-critical server reliability.
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is the winner for individual power users, architects, and film studios who need a responsive and hyper-fast workstation. It is the gold standard for high-end professional builds. The AMD EPYC 9845 is the winner for enterprises and data center administrators managing massive parallel datasets and cloud services. For any localized high-performance project, the Threadripper PRO provides a more versatile and responsive experience, while the EPYC is the king of industrial-scale compute.
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($7,999) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($8,670) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+9%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($7,999) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($8,670) |
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 9985WX and EPYC 9845
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 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: 154,361 points. Launch price was $7,999.
EPYC 9845
The EPYC 9845 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 160 cores and 320 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 320 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 390 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 152,985 points. Launch price was $13,564.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the EPYC 9845 offers 160 cores / 320 threads — the EPYC 9845 has 96 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9845 — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 9845 uses Turin (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX scores 154,361 against the EPYC 9845's 152,985 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX vs 320 MB (total) on the EPYC 9845.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 160 / 320+150% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+46% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+52% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total) | 320 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm | 3 nm-25% |
| Architecture | Shimada Peak (2025) | Turin (2024) |
| PassMark | 154,361 | 152,985 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 120,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,644 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 37,967 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9845 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 6 TB — 198.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) vs 12 (EPYC 9845). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) and SP5 (EPYC 9845).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6000 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB | 6 TB+200% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) vs AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9845). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX targets High-end Workstation, EPYC 9845 targets Data Center / AI Training. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX rivals Xeon w9-3475X; EPYC 9845 rivals Xeon 6972P.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V, SEV-SNP |
| Target Use | High-end Workstation | Data Center / AI Training |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX launched at $7999 MSRP, while the EPYC 9845 debuted at $13564. At current prices ($7999 vs $8670), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX is $671 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 17.6 pts/$ for the EPYC 9845 — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX the 8.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | EPYC 9845 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $7999-41% | $13564 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $7999-8% | $8670 |
| Performance per Dollar | 19.3+10% | 17.6 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2024 |
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