Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX vs Xeon Gold 5512U

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2020

Popular choices:

VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 5512U

28 Cores56 Thrd185 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2023

Popular choices:

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.

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 Threadripper PRO 3975WX

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +26.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 60% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 8.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $1,337 MSRPvs$1,230 MSRP
  • 51.4% higher power demand at 280W vs 185W.
  • Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while Xeon Gold 5512U moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon Gold 5512U

2023

Why buy it

  • Costs $107 less on MSRP ($1,230 MSRP vs $1,337 MSRP).
  • Draws 185W instead of 280W, a 95W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (60,367 vs 62,261).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX better than Xeon Gold 5512U?
Yes. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 26.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 3.1% better PassMark, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 26.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a big cache advantage at 128 MB vs 53 MB.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is the better fit. You are getting 3.1% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 143.8% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 53 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon Gold 5512U makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is 8.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,337 MSRP versus $1,230 MSRP, and it gives you a 26.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon Gold 5512U is also 5.4% better value on MSRP (49.1 vs 46.6 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon Gold 5512U is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of sWRX8, 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.

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

PresetRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
1080p
low183 FPS184 FPS
medium149 FPS162 FPS
high126 FPS128 FPS
ultra98 FPS104 FPS
1440p
low160 FPS153 FPS
medium127 FPS129 FPS
high101 FPS98 FPS
ultra79 FPS81 FPS
4K
low73 FPS69 FPS
medium61 FPS62 FPS
high48 FPS48 FPS
ultra40 FPS39 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

PresetRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
1080p
low579 FPS270 FPS
medium499 FPS241 FPS
high383 FPS200 FPS
ultra327 FPS166 FPS
1440p
low485 FPS227 FPS
medium425 FPS205 FPS
high338 FPS175 FPS
ultra274 FPS140 FPS
4K
low304 FPS141 FPS
medium270 FPS130 FPS
high231 FPS118 FPS
ultra202 FPS98 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

PresetRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
1080p
low681 FPS777 FPS
medium564 FPS691 FPS
high497 FPS657 FPS
ultra425 FPS581 FPS
1440p
low570 FPS672 FPS
medium479 FPS594 FPS
high424 FPS562 FPS
ultra364 FPS503 FPS
4K
low417 FPS453 FPS
medium333 FPS370 FPS
high293 FPS335 FPS
ultra234 FPS279 FPS
Valorant

Valorant

PresetRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
1080p
low1020 FPS940 FPS
medium917 FPS841 FPS
high765 FPS726 FPS
ultra664 FPS622 FPS
1440p
low802 FPS762 FPS
medium701 FPS666 FPS
high584 FPS572 FPS
ultra496 FPS484 FPS
4K
low559 FPS550 FPS
medium504 FPS493 FPS
high437 FPS435 FPS
ultra373 FPS372 FPS

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX and Xeon Gold 5512U

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2020-07-14. It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,261 points. Launch price was $4,499.

Intel

Xeon Gold 5512U

The Xeon Gold 5512U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 60,367 points. Launch price was $1,230.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5512U offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5512U — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5512U uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX scores 62,261 against the Xeon Gold 5512U's 60,367 — a 3.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX. L3 cache: 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX vs 52.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5512U.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
Cores / Threads
32 / 64+14%
28 / 56
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+14%
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+67%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
128 MB+144%
52.5 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
2 MB (per core)+300%
Process
7 nm, 12 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Matisse (2019−2020)
Emerald Rapids (2023)
PassMark
62,261+3%
60,367
Cinebench R23 Multi
42,986
Geekbench 6 Single
1,260
Geekbench 6 Multi
25,211
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX uses the sWRX8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 5512U uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 5512U — the Xeon Gold 5512U supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5512U supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 2048 GB 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 5512U) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX) and C741 (Xeon Gold 5512U).

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
Socket
sWRX8
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
4800+119900%
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB+52428700%
4096
RAM Channels
8
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+60%
80
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 5512U supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 5512U). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX rivals Xeon W-3375; Xeon Gold 5512U rivals EPYC 9354.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX launched at $1337 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5512U debuted at $1230. On MSRP ($1337 vs $1230), the Xeon Gold 5512U is $107 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX delivers 46.6 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5512U — making the Xeon Gold 5512U the 5.3% better value option.

FeatureRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WXXeon Gold 5512U
MSRP
$1337
$1230-8%
Performance per Dollar
46.6
49.1+5%
Release Date
2020
2023