Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

Primary details

Comparing Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in performance ranking	241	1040
Place by popularity	not in top-100	not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation	6.27	0.68
Market segment	Desktop processor	Desktop processor
Series	AMD Ryzen Threadripper	Intel Core i7EE
Architecture codename	Zen+ (2018−2020)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date	13 August 2018 (5 years ago)	12 November 2012 (11 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)	$1,799	no data
Current price	$1775 (1x MSRP)	$690

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 822% better value for money than i7-3970X Extreme Edition.

Detailed specifications

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores	32 (Dotriaconta-Core)	6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads	64	12
Base clock speed	3 GHz	no data
Boost clock speed	4.2 GHz	3.5 GHz
Bus support	4 × 8 GT/s	5 GT/s
L1 cache	96K (per core)	no data
L2 cache	512K (per core)	1,536 KB
L3 cache	64 MB	15 MB
Chip lithography	12 nm	32 nm
Die size	213 mm2	no data
Number of transistors	19,200 million	no data
64 bit support	+	+
Windows 11 compatibility	+	-
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	No

Compatibility

Information on Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration	1 (Uniprocessor)	1 (Uniprocessor)
Socket	Socket TR4	no data
Power consumption (TDP)	250 Watt	150 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

AES-NI	+	+
AVX	+	+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)	no data	+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition are enumerated here.

AMD-V

+

no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory types	DDR4 Quad-channel	no data
Maximum memory size	2 TiB	64 GB
Maximum memory bandwidth	93.867 GB/s	no data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.

PCIe version	no data	2.00
PCI Express lanes	no data	40

Pros & cons summary

---

Performance score	20.93	5.97
Recency	13 August 2018	12 November 2012
Physical cores	32	6
Threads	64	12
Chip lithography	12 nm	32 nm
Power consumption (TDP)	250 Watt	150 Watt

---

Should you still have questions on choice between Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.

---