Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX vs Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
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 9985WX
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($7,999) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1046%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($7,999) | ✅ 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 9985WX and Ryzen 5 3600
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.
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 9985WX packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX has 58 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 25% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX 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 9985WX scores 154,361 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 158.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 120,000 vs 9,500 (170.7% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,644 vs 1,295, a 95.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 37,967 vs 1,898 (181% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX). L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+967% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+29% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+700% | 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 | 154,361+773% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 120,000+1163% | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,644+181% | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 37,967+1900% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX 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 DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+1500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX targets High-end Workstation, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX rivals Xeon w9-3475X; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
| Target Use | High-end Workstation | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX launched at $7999 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($7999 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $7919 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 167.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $7999 | $199-98% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $7999 | $80-99% |
| Performance per Dollar | 19.3 | 221.1+1046% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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