
Xeon 6740E vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon 6740E

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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 Xeon 6740E
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sierra Forest (2024) / Intel 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+45%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) | ✅ More affordable ($2,850) |
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 Xeon 6740E and Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon 6740E
The Xeon 6740E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB (per module). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 76,167 points. Launch price was $5,265.

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.
Processing Power
The Xeon 6740E packs 96 cores / 96 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Xeon 6740E has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 6740E versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon 6740E uses the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture (Intel 3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon 6740E scores 76,167 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X's 79,889 — a 4.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. L3 cache: 96 MB (total) on the Xeon 6740E vs 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 96+50% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz+34% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.9 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 96 MB (total) | 256 MB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (per module)+700% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Sierra Forest (2024) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 76,167 | 79,889+5% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 64,366 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,961 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 22,045 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon 6740E uses the LGA4710 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Xeon 6740E versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — the Xeon 6740E supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon 6740E supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon 6740E) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon 6740E) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon 6740E) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X).
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4710 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+159900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 256 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 88+10% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon 6740E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, TDX (Xeon 6740E) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Direct competitor: Xeon 6740E rivals EPYC 9005; Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, TDX | true |
Value Analysis
The Xeon 6740E launched at $5265 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X debuted at $3990. At current prices ($3949 vs $2850), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is $1099 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon 6740E delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 28.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X the 37% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $5265 | $3990-24% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3949 | $2850-28% |
| Performance per Dollar | 19.3 | 28.0+45% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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