AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX and the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 are both 9000-series workstation processors built on the 4nm Zen 5 architecture, yet they serve very different performance tiers. The data shows a clear split: the Threadripper PRO dominates heavily in multi-threaded and compute-heavy workloads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO takes a narrow but consistent lead in single-threaded performance. Across the 11 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, the Threadripper PRO wins 9, with the Ryzen 9 PRO taking 2.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Threadripper PRO 9965WX’s largest victory comes in the PassMark physics test, where it scores 7529 against the Ryzen 9 PRO’s 3256, a delta of 131.2%. This is the single biggest performance gap in the comparison, indicating that the Threadripper’s additional cores and memory bandwidth translate into massive gains for simulation and physics-based calculations. The find-prime-numbers test shows a similar story, with the Threadripper scoring 752 versus 364, a 106.6% advantage.

In the extended instructions benchmark, the Threadripper PRO scores 108753, which is 52.7% ahead of the Ryzen 9 PRO’s 71210. This suggests that workloads leveraging AVX or similar instruction sets will see substantial throughput improvements on the Threadripper. The random string sorting test also favors the Threadripper, with a score of 149617 versus 94915, a 57.6% delta. This points to better memory subsystem performance for data-heavy tasks.

The data compression benchmark shows the Threadripper at 1345230, compared to the Ryzen 9 PRO’s 908293, a 48.1% advantage. Encryption performance follows suit, with the Threadripper scoring 66155 against 44920, a 47.3% lead. Integer math and floating-point math also favor the Threadripper, with deltas of 43.5% (349195 vs 243280) and 42.9% (229685 vs 160746), respectively. These results consistently indicate that the Threadripper PRO’s 24 cores and 48 threads provide roughly a 40-50% throughput advantage across most compute-intensive tasks.

The multithread benchmark shows a 38.9% lead for the Threadripper, scoring 92604 versus 66655. This is the aggregate measure of parallel performance, and while the lead is significant, it is smaller than the individual test deltas, suggesting that some workloads scale better than others. However, the Ryzen 9 PRO does win in single-threaded tests. In PassMark single-thread, the Ryzen 9 PRO scores 4682 against the Threadripper’s 4551, a 2.8% advantage. This is a narrow but consistent margin, appearing in both the single-thread and singlethread benchmarks.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 wins both single-thread benchmarks, scoring 4682 versus the Threadripper PRO 9965WX’s 4551, a 2.8% advantage in each case.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two?

A: The physics benchmark shows the largest delta, with the Threadripper PRO scoring 7529 versus 3256, a 131.2% lead for the Threadripper.

Q: Does the Threadripper PRO win all multi-threaded tests?

A: Yes, the Threadripper PRO wins all nine multi-threaded or compute-heavy benchmarks, with deltas ranging from 38.9% in multithread to 106.6% in find-prime-numbers.

Q: How much faster is the Threadripper PRO in data compression?

A: The Threadripper PRO scores 1345230 in data compression, which is 48.1% ahead of the Ryzen 9 PRO’s 908293.

Q: Are both processors in the same performance percentile?

A: Both processors have a percentile of 98 against all CPUs, indicating they are both in the top tier of available processors, despite their different core counts.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The Threadripper PRO has an average benchmark score of 147009, while the Ryzen 9 PRO averages 145728, a difference of 0.9% in favor of the Threadripper.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 4nm process node and are both fabricated by TSMC, but their physical architectures diverge significantly. The Threadripper PRO 9965WX has a codename of Shimada Peak, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 uses Granite Ridge. Both are Zen 5-based, but the Threadripper features 24 cores and 48 threads, whereas the Ryzen 9 PRO has 16 cores and 32 threads.

The cache hierarchy differs notably. The Threadripper PRO has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, compared to the Ryzen 9 PRO’s 80 KB per core. L2 cache is identical at 1 MB per core for both. The L3 cache is where the gap widens: the Threadripper PRO has 128 MB of L3 cache, while the Ryzen 9 PRO has 64 MB. This doubling of L3 cache on the Threadripper reflects its server/workstation positioning.

The transistor counts also differ substantially. The Threadripper PRO contains 33,260 million transistors across four 70.6 mm² dies, while the Ryzen 9 PRO has 16,630 million transistors across two 70.6 mm² dies. This means the Threadripper uses twice as many compute dies, which directly contributes to its higher core count and cache capacity. Neither processor features 3D V-Cache.

Specification Differences

The socket is a primary differentiator. The Threadripper PRO uses AMD Socket sTR5, while the Ryzen 9 PRO uses AMD Socket AM5. The Threadripper’s base clock is 4.20 GHz with a boost clock of 5.40 GHz, while the Ryzen 9 PRO has a slightly higher base of 4.30 GHz and a boost of 5.50 GHz. This explains the Ryzen 9 PRO’s single-thread win, as it clocks higher on both frequencies.

The TDP is dramatically different: the Threadripper PRO has a TDP of 350 watts, while the Ryzen 9 PRO is rated at 170 watts. Memory support also diverges, with the Threadripper supporting eight-channel DDR5 memory and delivering 409.6 GB/s of bandwidth, versus the Ryzen 9 PRO’s dual-channel DDR5 at 89.6 GB/s. This four-fold difference in memory bandwidth is critical for the Threadripper’s multi-threaded performance.

PCIe lanes differ as well. The Threadripper PRO provides Gen 5 with 128 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen 9 PRO offers Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only). The Threadripper has no integrated graphics, whereas the Ryzen 9 PRO includes Radeon Graphics. Both support ECC memory, but the Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ryzen 9 PRO’s multiplier is locked. The Threadripper has a launch MSRP of $2899, while the Ryzen 9 PRO has no listed launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data clearly indicates that the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX is the superior processor for multi-threaded, compute-heavy workloads. Its wins across all nine multi-threaded benchmarks, with deltas ranging from 38.9% to 131.2%, demonstrate a commanding advantage in parallel processing. The physics and find-prime-numbers results, showing 131.2% and 106.6% leads respectively, are particularly decisive. The Threadripper’s larger L3 cache (128 MB vs 64 MB) and eight-channel memory bandwidth (409.6 GB/s vs 89.6 GB/s) underpin these results.

However, the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 is not without merit. Its 2.8% lead in single-threaded performance, coupled with a higher base and boost clock, makes it the better choice for lightly threaded applications that prioritize per-core speed. The Ryzen 9 PRO also consumes less power, with a 170-watt TDP versus the Threadripper’s 350 watts, and it includes integrated graphics, which the Threadripper lacks. For users who need a capable workstation processor for general tasks, the Ryzen 9 PRO offers a more streamlined package.

The average benchmark scores are close, with the Threadripper at 147009 and the Ryzen 9 PRO at 145728, a 0.9% difference. This suggests that for mixed workloads, the two are nearly equivalent on average. The Threadripper’s 98th percentile ranking and the Ryzen 9 PRO’s identical 98th percentile confirm that both are elite performers, but the Threadripper’s wins are in high-impact areas that matter most for professional compute.

Where Each One Wins

The Threadripper PRO 9965WX wins decisively in every compute-intensive category measured. For physics simulations, data compression, encryption, extended instruction sets, prime number calculations, floating-point math, integer math, and multithreaded workloads, the Threadripper is the clear choice. Its 48.1% lead in data compression and 47.3% lead in encryption make it ideal for data analytics and cryptography tasks. The 57.6% advantage in random string sorting points to strong performance in database and sorting-heavy applications.

The Ryzen 9 PRO 9965 wins in single-threaded performance, as shown by its 4682 score in both single-thread benchmarks. This makes it the better option for applications that rely on a single core, such as legacy software, certain gaming workloads, or lightly threaded productivity tools. Its higher clock speeds (4.30 GHz base, 5.50 GHz boost) provide that edge, and its integrated graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic display scenarios.

In terms of platform fit, the Threadripper’s sTR5 socket and 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes support massive expansion, making it suitable for servers and workstations with multiple GPUs or high-speed storage. The Ryzen 9 PRO’s AM5 socket and 24 PCIe lanes are more modest, but the lower TDP of 170 watts makes it easier to cool and integrate into standard workstation chassis. The choice ultimately comes down to whether the workload is dominated by parallel compute (Threadripper) or single-thread responsiveness and lower power draw (Ryzen 9 PRO).