Xeon Platinum 8380 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Xeon Platinum 8380
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
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 8380
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Why is Ryzen Threadripper 3970X better than Xeon Platinum 8380?
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X delivers superior performance in most workstation workloads compared to the Intel Xeon Platinum 8380. With 32 cores running at significantly higher clock speeds (3.7 GHz base, 4.5 GHz boost vs 2.3-3.4 GHz), the Threadripper excels in content creation, 3D rendering, and video editing tasks. Its massive 128 MB L3 cache (compared to 60 MB on the Xeon) reduces latency in cache-sensitive applications.
The Xeon Platinum 8380 offers advantages in enterprise scenarios: 40 cores/80 threads, eight-channel DDR4 memory support (up to 6 TB), and multi-socket configurations for extreme scalability. It's designed for data centers requiring maximum memory bandwidth and dual-socket deployments.
For single-socket workstations focused on creative professional work, the Threadripper 3970X is the better choice with its higher frequencies and larger cache. The Xeon Platinum 8380 makes sense only for server deployments requiring ECC memory, multi-socket configurations, or massive memory capacity beyond what the Threadripper platform supports.
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($965) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+361%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($965) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) |
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 8380 and Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Xeon Platinum 8380
The Xeon Platinum 8380 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2021-04-06. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 40 cores and 80 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,318 points. Launch price was $5,846.
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 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: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.
Processing Power
The Xeon Platinum 8380 packs 40 cores / 80 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8380 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8380 versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — a 27.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8380 uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8380 scores 62,318 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 62,946 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,300 vs 1,664, a 24.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 40,000 vs 13,739 (97.7% advantage for the Xeon Platinum 8380). L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8380 vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 40 / 80+25% | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+61% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total) | 128 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 62,318 | 62,946+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 44,510 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,300 | 1,664+28% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 40,000+191% | 13,739 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8380 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Xeon Platinum 8380 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Platinum 8380) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Platinum 8380) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+2300% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Platinum 8380 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8380) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Primary use case: Xeon Platinum 8380 targets Datacenter. Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8380 rivals EPYC 7543; Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 8380 launched at $2010 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X debuted at $4491. At current prices ($965 vs $4491), the Xeon Platinum 8380 is $3526 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Platinum 8380 delivers 64.6 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — making the Xeon Platinum 8380 the 128.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8380 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2010-55% | $4491 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $965-79% | $4491 |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.6+361% | 14.0 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2019 |
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