AMD EPYC 7282 vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear performance hierarchy between these two AMD processors. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX wins all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with a consistent margin of 6.8% to 6.9% across every test. However, the broader context matters: both processors sit at the 63rd percentile of all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are remarkably close (7578 for the Threadripper versus 7409 for the EPYC). The Threadripper 2990WX is the outright performance winner, but the EPYC 7282 is not far behind in raw compute output, making the choice heavily dependent on workload requirements and platform needs rather than sheer speed alone. Users who need maximum multi-threaded performance for desktop-oriented tasks should select the Threadripper 2990WX, while those requiring server-grade features like ECC memory and eight-channel memory support should choose the EPYC 7282. The data does not support a universal recommendation; it supports a use-case-specific one.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing processes. The Threadripper 2990WX is built on the Zen+ architecture with the Colfax codename, produced on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It packs 32 cores and 64 threads, with a die size of 4x 213 mm² and a transistor count of 19,200 million. The EPYC 7282, meanwhile, uses the Zen 2 architecture with the Rome codename, manufactured on a 7 nm process at TSMC with 7,600 million transistors across a 2x 74 mm² die. The node shrink represents a significant manufacturing advantage for the EPYC, enabling higher transistor density. Cache configurations differ as well: the Threadripper has 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core with 64 MB of L3, while the EPYC has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of L3 per die totaling 64 MB. Both reach 64 MB of total L3, but the EPYC splits it across two dies. The memory subsystems differ fundamentally: the Threadripper supports quad-channel DDR4 with 93.9 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC, while the EPYC supports eight-channel DDR4 with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth and ECC enabled. PCIe capabilities also diverge sharply: the Threadripper offers Gen 3 with 60 lanes, while the EPYC provides Gen 4 with 128 lanes. The Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier; the EPYC does not.

Where Each One Wins

Looking strictly at benchmark results, the Threadripper 2990WX wins every single head-to-head test, with deltas of 6.9% on Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core and multi-core tests, and 6.8% on Cinebench R23 multi-core specifically. The single-core advantage of 6.9% in Cinebench R15 (389 versus 364) and R20 (1622 versus 1518) suggests the Threadripper's higher boost clock of 4.20 GHz versus 3.20 GHz provides a real edge in lightly threaded workloads. In multi-core tests, the Threadripper's 32 cores versus the EPYC's 16 cores should theoretically deliver a much larger margin, but the actual delta remains at roughly 6.9%, indicating that the EPYC's Zen 2 architecture is substantially more efficient per core. The EPYC's wins are not in raw performance but in platform capabilities: ECC memory support, eight-channel memory bus, PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes, and a lower TDP of 120 watts versus 250 watts. The EPYC also has a more recent release date and a lower launch MSRP, though those are separate considerations. For workloads that require massive memory bandwidth across eight channels or extensive PCIe lane expansion, the EPYC is the correct choice despite losing every benchmark in this dataset.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The Threadripper 2990WX wins all single-core benchmarks by 6.9%. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 389 versus 364; in R20, 1622 versus 1518; in R23, 3864 versus 3616.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap?

A: The Threadripper leads by 6.9% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (2758 versus 2581) and R20 multi-core (11495 versus 10758), and by 6.8% in R23 multi-core (27370 versus 25616). Despite having twice the core count, the Threadripper's lead is modest, indicating strong per-core efficiency from the EPYC.

Q: Does the EPYC support ECC memory?

A: Yes. The EPYC 7282 supports ECC memory and uses an eight-channel memory bus with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth. The Threadripper 2990WX does not support ECC and uses a quad-channel bus with 93.9 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The EPYC 7282 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes, while the Threadripper 2990WX offers PCIe Gen 3 with 60 lanes. The EPYC's lane count is more than double and uses a newer generation.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each?

A: The Threadripper 2990WX has 32 cores and 64 threads. The EPYC 7282 has 16 cores and 32 threads, exactly half of the Threadripper's counts.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Threadripper 2990WX boosts to 4.20 GHz, compared to the EPYC 7282's 3.20 GHz. The Threadripper also has a higher base clock at 3.00 GHz versus 2.80 GHz.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data is uniform in direction but varies slightly in magnitude. The largest absolute win for the Threadripper comes in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 27370 against the EPYC's 25616, a difference of 1754 points or 6.8%. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Threadripper scores 11495 versus 10758, a 737-point margin at 6.9%. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows 2758 versus 2581, a 177-point advantage at 6.9%. Single-core results follow the same pattern with a 6.9% delta across the board: R15 shows 389 versus 364, R20 shows 1622 versus 1518, and R23 shows 3864 versus 3616. The consistency of the 6.8% to 6.9% delta across both single-core and multi-core tests is notable, suggesting that the performance difference is not workload-dependent but rather a uniform architectural advantage. The Threadripper's higher clocks (3.00 GHz base and 4.20 GHz boost versus 2.80 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost) likely drive the single-core wins, while the multi-core wins are more surprising given the EPYC's newer 7 nm Zen 2 architecture and the Threadripper's massive 250-watt TDP. The EPYC's 120-watt TDP delivering nearly 93% of the multi-core performance of a 250-watt part is a significant efficiency result, even though it does not change the win count. The Threadripper wins 6 out of 6 tests, and the EPYC wins none, but the margin is compressed enough that the EPYC's platform features become decisive for server workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification category. The Threadripper 2990WX uses a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, while the EPYC 7282 uses a 7 nm process at TSMC. Transistor counts are 19,200 million for the Threadripper versus 7,600 million for the EPYC. Die sizes are 4x 213 mm² versus 2x 74 mm². Core and thread counts are 32/64 versus 16/32. Base clocks are 3.00 GHz versus 2.80 GHz, and boost clocks are 4.20 GHz versus 3.20 GHz. TDP is 250 watts versus 120 watts. Sockets differ: the Threadripper uses AMD Socket SP3r2, while the EPYC uses AMD Socket SP3. L1 cache is 96 KB per core versus 64 KB per core; L2 cache is identical at 512 KB per core; L3 cache is 64 MB total on the Threadripper versus 32 MB per die and 64 MB total on the EPYC. Memory support is DDR4 for both, but the bus is quad-channel at 93.9 GB/s on the Threadripper versus eight-channel at 85.3 GB/s on the EPYC. ECC memory is unsupported on the Threadripper and supported on the EPYC. PCIe is Gen 3 with 60 lanes versus Gen 4 with 128 lanes. Neither has integrated graphics. The market segments are Desktop for the Threadripper and Server/Workstation for the EPYC. Release dates are 2018-08-12 for the Threadripper and 2019-08-06 for the EPYC. The Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier; the EPYC does not. Part numbers are YD299XAZUIHAF and 100-000000078 respectively. The Threadripper has a launch MSRP of $1799, while the EPYC has a launch MSRP of $650, stated here for reference only. Both processors are Active in production status, and both sit at the 63rd percentile of all CPUs, with the Threadripper's average benchmark score of 7578 and the EPYC's 7409 placing them within 2.3% of each other overall.