Xeon Platinum 8160 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Xeon Platinum 8160
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
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 Platinum 8160
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($540) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (ZEN+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($540) |
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 Platinum 8160 and Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Xeon Platinum 8160
The Xeon Platinum 8160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,989 points. Launch price was $4,702.
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 29,462 points. Launch price was $899.
Processing Power
The Xeon Platinum 8160 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8160 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8160 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8160 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses ZEN+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8160 scores 28,989 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X's 29,462 — a 1.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. L3 cache: 33 MB on the Xeon Platinum 8160 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.4 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 33 MB+3% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 24 MB+4700% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 12 nm-14% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | ZEN+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 28,989 | 29,462+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,444 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,255 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,814 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8160 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the Xeon Platinum 8160 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X — the Xeon Platinum 8160 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8160 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Platinum 8160) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Platinum 8160) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Platinum 8160) and Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+66550% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 | 256 GB+34952433% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 64+33% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Platinum 8160 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8160) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X). Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8160 rivals EPYC 7451.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
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