Xeon w5-3535X vs Ryzen 9 9900X
Xeon w5-3535X
Ryzen 9 9900X
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 w5-3535X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 9900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) | ✅ More affordable ($370) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+351%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) | ✅ More affordable ($370) |
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 w5-3535X and Ryzen 9 9900X
Xeon w5-3535X
The Xeon w5-3535X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 55,532 points. Launch price was $1,689.
Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 54,530 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-3535X packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon w5-3535X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3535X versus 5.6 GHz on the Ryzen 9 9900X — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 9900X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Xeon w5-3535X uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 9900X uses Granite Ridge (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3535X scores 55,532 against the Ryzen 9 9900X's 54,530 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon w5-3535X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,300 vs 3,401, a 38.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 9900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 30,000 vs 19,756 (41.2% advantage for the Xeon w5-3535X). L3 cache: 52.5 MB on the Xeon w5-3535X vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 9900X.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+67% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.6 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 4.4 GHz+52% |
| L3 Cache | 52.5 MB | 64 MB (total)+22% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 55,532+2% | 54,530 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 33,003 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,300 | 3,401+48% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 30,000+52% | 19,756 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-3535X uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 9900X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Xeon w5-3535X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w5-3535X) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 9900X). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w5-3535X) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 9900X) — the Xeon w5-3535X offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3535X) and A620,B650,X670,X870 (Ryzen 9 9900X).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+1500% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+367% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-3535X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 9900X). The Ryzen 9 9900X includes integrated graphics (Radeon 610M), while the Xeon w5-3535X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon w5-3535X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-3535X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon 610M |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-3535X launched at $1699 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 9900X debuted at $499.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3535X | Ryzen 9 9900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1699 | $499-71% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $370 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2024 |
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