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.

Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

#316

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1400

109%

#317

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

109%

#318

Core i3-10305T

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

109%

#319

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

107%

#320

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

107%

#321

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

107%

#322

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

106%

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

105%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

103%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

103%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

103%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

102%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

102%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

101%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

100%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

100%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

100%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

99%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

97%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

96%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

96%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

95%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

95%

#339

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

95%

#340

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

94%

#341

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

94%

#342

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

93%

#343

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

91%

#344

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

90%

#345

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

90%

#346

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Ryzen Threadripper 2950X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Ryzen Threadripper 2950X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is a 16-core / 32-thread processor based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 12 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 32 MB of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 29,462, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,255, while multi-core reaches 8,814. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 21,444.

Specification	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	16C / 32T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	ZEN+ (2018−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	12 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	32 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	96K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	213 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	19,200 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	29,462
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	21,444
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,255
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	8,814

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X fits into the TR4 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 64 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Quad-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 256 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	AMD Ryzen Threadripper
SocketMotherboard socket required	TR4
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	64
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4 Quad-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	256 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Socket TR4 / X399
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 180 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Wraith Ripper / AIO 280mm+.

Specification	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	180 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Wraith Ripper / AIO 280mm+

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $540 (MSRP: $899), the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X delivers 55 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #448 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$899
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$540
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$899
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#448
Release DateLaunch date	13 August 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries