Xeon w9-3495X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
Xeon w9-3495X
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
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 w9-3495X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,333) | ✅ More affordable ($1,419) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+358%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,333) | ✅ More affordable ($1,419) |
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 w9-3495X and Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
Xeon w9-3495X
The Xeon w9-3495X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 105 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 90,441 points. Launch price was $5,889.
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 92,808 points. Launch price was $1,499.
Processing Power
The Xeon w9-3495X packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon w9-3495X has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3495X versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X — a 9.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X (base: 1.9 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Xeon w9-3495X uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w9-3495X scores 90,441 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X's 92,808 — a 2.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 72,560 vs 41,000 (55.6% advantage for the Xeon w9-3495X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,136 vs 3,200, a 39.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,600 vs 26,000 (33.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X). L3 cache: 105 MB on the Xeon w9-3495X vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 56 / 112+133% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz+121% |
| L3 Cache | 105 MB | 128 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) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 90,441 | 92,808+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 72,560+77% | 41,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,136 | 3,200+50% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,600 | 26,000+40% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w9-3495X uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Xeon w9-3495X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 1024 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon w9-3495X) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w9-3495X) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) — the Xeon w9-3495X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w9-3495X) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X).
| Feature | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+300% | 1024 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+27% | 88 |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support true virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon w9-3495X targets Ultimate Workstation, Ryzen Threadripper 9960X targets Content Creation / Rendering. Direct competitor: Xeon w9-3495X rivals Threadripper PRO 7995WX; Ryzen Threadripper 9960X rivals Xeon w7-3555.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | Ultimate Workstation | Content Creation / Rendering |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w9-3495X launched at $5889 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X debuted at $1499. At current prices ($6333 vs $1419), the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is $4914 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w9-3495X delivers 14.3 pts/$ vs 65.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X the 128.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3495X | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $5889 | $1499-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $6333 | $1419-78% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.3 | 65.4+357% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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