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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $4,450 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 149.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Draws 105W instead of 350W, a 245W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No 3D V-Cache or similar L3 advantage, which matters in CPU-limited gaming (64 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (21,000 vs 115,098).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen Threadripper 9980X moves to sTR5 and DDR5.

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

2025

Why buy it

✅Massive L3 cache advantage with 256 MB vs 64 MB, which is a real win in CPU-limited gaming.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅Newer platform on sTR5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅233.3% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
❌233.3% higher power demand at 350W vs 105W.

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $4,450 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 149.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Draws 105W instead of 350W, a 245W reduction.

Why buy it

✅Massive L3 cache advantage with 256 MB vs 64 MB, which is a real win in CPU-limited gaming.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅Newer platform on sTR5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅233.3% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌No 3D V-Cache or similar L3 advantage, which matters in CPU-limited gaming (64 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (21,000 vs 115,098).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen Threadripper 9980X moves to sTR5 and DDR5.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
❌233.3% higher power demand at 350W vs 105W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than Ryzen 9 5900X?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 5900X is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% more average FPS across 2 shared CPU game tests. It also has a big cache advantage at 256 MB vs 64 MB.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better fit. You are getting 448.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 64 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 9 5900X makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is 810.6% more expensive on MSRP at $4,999 MSRP versus $549 MSRP, and it gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 2 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 9 5900X is also 149.7% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 28.4 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2020), a healthier platform with sTR5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 64 MB, more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 12/24, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Ryzen 9 5900X Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
1080p
low	323 FPS	303 FPS
medium	291 FPS	281 FPS
high	243 FPS	231 FPS
ultra	193 FPS	195 FPS
1440p
low	307 FPS	268 FPS
medium	248 FPS	224 FPS
high	192 FPS	172 FPS
ultra	157 FPS	152 FPS
4K
low	193 FPS	186 FPS
medium	156 FPS	155 FPS
high	115 FPS	117 FPS
ultra	103 FPS	105 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
1080p
low	772 FPS	803 FPS
medium	647 FPS	687 FPS
high	508 FPS	538 FPS
ultra	450 FPS	468 FPS
1440p
low	619 FPS	662 FPS
medium	536 FPS	590 FPS
high	443 FPS	477 FPS
ultra	364 FPS	386 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	370 FPS
medium	318 FPS	334 FPS
high	289 FPS	308 FPS
ultra	255 FPS	269 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
1080p
low	832 FPS	889 FPS
medium	645 FPS	728 FPS
high	558 FPS	654 FPS
ultra	459 FPS	556 FPS
1440p
low	721 FPS	693 FPS
medium	565 FPS	567 FPS
high	488 FPS	498 FPS
ultra	407 FPS	419 FPS
4K
low	511 FPS	490 FPS
medium	421 FPS	407 FPS
high	374 FPS	365 FPS
ultra	308 FPS	303 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
1080p
low	974 FPS	1131 FPS
medium	974 FPS	1014 FPS
high	934 FPS	889 FPS
ultra	826 FPS	802 FPS
1440p
low	959 FPS	890 FPS
medium	843 FPS	783 FPS
high	726 FPS	688 FPS
ultra	617 FPS	599 FPS
4K
low	694 FPS	649 FPS
medium	621 FPS	579 FPS
high	541 FPS	514 FPS
ultra	437 FPS	437 FPS

Open Ryzen 9 5900X Open Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 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: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 5900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 52 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900X scores 38,955 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 113.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 115,098 (138.3% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,174 vs 3,220, a 38.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,888 vs 28,666 (82.7% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	64 / 128+433%
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz	5.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+16%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	64 MB	256 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	1 MB (per core)+100%
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	4 nm-43%
Architecture	Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022)	Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark	38,955	142,069+265%
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,000	115,098+448%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,174	3,220+48%
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,888	28,666+141%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 5900X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 196.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 56 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Socket	AM4	sTR5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR5-6400+25%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1 TB+700%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	80+233%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.

Feature	Ryzen 9 5900X	Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V, SVM
Target Use	Workstation	HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 9 5900X launched at $549 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X debuted at $4999. On MSRP ($549 vs $4999), the Ryzen 9 5900X is $4450 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 71.0 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 85.6% better value option.