Xeon Platinum 8160M vs Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
Xeon Platinum 8160M
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
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 8160M
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+324%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
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 8160M and Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
Xeon Platinum 8160M
The Xeon Platinum 8160M 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: 53,158 points. Launch price was $7,704.
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 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 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 54,763 points. Launch price was $1,399.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Platinum 8160M and Ryzen Threadripper 3960X share an identical 24-core/48-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8160M versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8160M uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8160M scores 53,158 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X's 54,763 — a 3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 850 vs 1,270, a 39.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 33 MB on the Xeon Platinum 8160M vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+81% |
| L3 Cache | 33 MB | 128 MB+288% |
| L2 Cache | 24 MB+4700% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 53,158 | 54,763+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 34,260 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 850 | 1,270+49% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8160M uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon Platinum 8160M supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Platinum 8160M) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Platinum 8160M) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Platinum 8160M) and AMD TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536 GB+500% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 88+83% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Platinum 8160M supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8160M) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X). Primary use case: Xeon Platinum 8160M targets Datacenter. Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8160M rivals EPYC 7401; Ryzen Threadripper 3960X rivals Core i9-10900X.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Datacenter | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Platinum 8160M launched at $5000 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X debuted at $1399. At current prices ($350 vs $85), the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is $265 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Platinum 8160M delivers 151.9 pts/$ vs 644.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X the 123.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160M | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $5000 | $1399-72% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $85-76% |
| Performance per Dollar | 151.9 | 644.3+324% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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