AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X vs Intel Xeon W-2170B Comparison

The Intel Xeon W-2170B and AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X represent two distinct philosophies for high-core-count computing, yet the benchmark data reveals a surprisingly consistent outcome. The Threadripper 2920X, despite having two fewer cores and four fewer threads than the Xeon, wins every single head-to-head benchmark in this comparison, from Cinebench R15 to R23. This sweeping victory is not marginal either; the AMD part consistently leads by roughly 3.2% to 3.3% across all tested workloads, which raises immediate questions about what architectural advantages overcome the Intel chip's core-count deficit.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the head-to-head benchmark results, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X wins in every category tested. The data shows six wins for the Threadripper 2920X and zero for the Xeon W-2170B. This includes both multi-core and single-core workloads, meaning the AMD processor holds a decisive edge in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests. The consistency of the margin, hovering between 3.2% and 3.3% in most tests, suggests a fundamental performance advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk.

The Intel Xeon W-2170B, for its part, does not secure a single benchmark win in this direct comparison. However, its relevance lies elsewhere. As a server and workstation part with ECC memory support and a higher core count, it offers capabilities that the benchmark suite does not measure directly. The data indicates the Xeon's average benchmark score of 5985 is actually higher than the Threadripper's 5730, though this average includes different benchmark sets for each processor. The Xeon's percentile ranking of 61st places it in the same percentile band as the Threadripper, indicating comparable overall standing among all CPUs, but the direct comparison is unambiguous.

FAQ

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X win all benchmarks against the Intel Xeon W-2170B?

A: Yes, the data shows the Threadripper 2920X wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with a 100% win rate. The margins range from 3.2% to 3.3% across R15, R20, and R23, in both single-core and multi-core variants.

Q: How does the core count difference affect the benchmark results?

A: The Xeon W-2170B has 14 cores and 28 threads, while the Threadripper 2920X has 12 cores and 24 threads. Despite the Intel chip having two more cores and four more threads, the AMD processor still outperforms it in multi-core tests, suggesting the Threadripper's architectural efficiency compensates for the core deficit.

Q: What are the clock speed differences between these two processors?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2170B has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and an identical boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The AMD part's significantly higher base clock likely contributes to its single-core advantages.

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance?

A: The Threadripper 2920X wins every single-core benchmark. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 3018 versus the Xeon's 2921, a 3.2% advantage. The same pattern appears in R15 (304 vs 294) and R20 (1267 vs 1226).

Q: Are there any benchmark categories where the Xeon W-2170B is competitive?

A: No. The Xeon loses all six head-to-head benchmarks. Even in the closest test, Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 2085 versus 2154 for the Threadripper, a 3.2% gap. The Xeon's higher average benchmark score of 5985 versus 5730 is not from direct comparisons but from different benchmark selections.

Q: What memory bandwidth advantages does each processor offer?

A: The Threadripper 2920X has a memory bandwidth of 93.9 GB/s, while the Xeon W-2170B has 85.3 GB/s. Both support DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, but the AMD part's higher bandwidth may contribute to its performance lead.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern in the head-to-head data is the uniformity of the results. Across all six Cinebench tests, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X maintains an advantage between 3.2% and 3.3% over the Intel Xeon W-2170B. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Threadripper scores 2154 against the Xeon's 2085, a 3.2% delta. The single-core R15 test shows a similar story: 304 versus 294, a 3.3% lead for AMD.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the margins remain frozen. The multi-core score of 8979 for the Threadripper beats the Xeon's 8691 by 3.2%. The single-core test produces 1267 versus 1226, again a 3.2% difference. The newest benchmark, Cinebench R23, continues the trend with multi-core scores of 21380 for AMD and 20693 for Intel, and single-core scores of 3018 versus 2921.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. A 3.2% to 3.3% gap appearing in every test suggests that the performance difference is systemic rather than workload-dependent. The Threadripper's higher base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 2.50 GHz likely provides a sustained advantage in all scenarios, even though both processors boost to 4.30 GHz. The AMD processor's 12 nm process node and Zen+ architecture appear to deliver better instruction-per-clock efficiency than the Intel Skylake architecture at 14 nm.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge significantly in their core configurations. The Intel Xeon W-2170B offers 14 cores and 28 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X provides 12 cores and 24 threads. This gives Intel a 2-core and 4-thread advantage on paper, yet the benchmark results show AMD winning anyway.

Clock speeds tell a different story. The Xeon has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and boost of 4.30 GHz. The Threadripper starts at a much higher 3.50 GHz base and also boosts to 4.30 GHz. This 1.0 GHz base clock advantage likely explains much of the AMD processor's performance lead.

Thermal design power differs substantially, with the Xeon rated at 140 W and the Threadripper at 180 W. The AMD part uses 40 W more, which aligns with its higher base clock and 12 nm process. The Xeon's 14 nm process and lower TDP suggest a more power-efficient design per core, though this does not translate to benchmark wins.

Cache configurations also differ. The Xeon has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, with 19.25 MB of shared L3 cache. The Threadripper has 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 32 MB of L3 cache. The AMD processor's larger L3 cache and different L1/L2 balance may contribute to its superior performance.

Memory bandwidth shows another AMD advantage: 93.9 GB/s versus 85.3 GB/s for Intel. ECC memory support is exclusive to the Xeon, which also uses the Intel Socket 2066, while the Threadripper uses AMD Socket SP3r2. The Xeon is listed as end-of-life, while the Threadripper remains active. The Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon does not.

Architecture Differences

The processors come from fundamentally different design lineages. The Intel Xeon W-2170B uses the Skylake architecture, specifically Skylake-W, built on a 14 nm process at Intel's foundry. Its die size is 484 mm², reflecting a monolithic design. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X uses the Zen+ architecture, codenamed Colfax, built on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. Its die size is listed as 2x 213 mm², indicating a dual-die chiplet design totaling 426 mm².

The Xeon's cache hierarchy provides 1 MB of L2 per core, which is double the Threadripper's 512 KB per core. However, the Threadripper counters with 32 MB of L3 cache versus 19.25 MB for the Xeon. The Threadripper's L1 cache is also larger at 96 KB per core versus 64 KB per core.

The manufacturing process difference is significant. The 12 nm GlobalFoundries node used by AMD is smaller than Intel's 14 nm node, though transistor counts are not directly comparable. The Threadripper has 9,600 million transistors across its two dies, while the Xeon's transistor count is not listed. The different process nodes likely affect power efficiency and clock scaling, with the Threadripper's higher base clock being a direct beneficiary.

The Threadripper also offers more PCIe lanes at 60 versus 48 for the Xeon, both at Gen 3. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, while the Xeon's is locked. The Threadripper's market segment is desktop, while the Xeon targets server and workstation use. The Xeon supports ECC memory, while the Threadripper does not.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear winner for raw computational throughput: the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X. Its 3.2% to 3.3% advantage across all Cinebench tests, from R15 to R23, in both single-core and multi-core workloads, makes it the superior choice for anyone prioritizing benchmark scores. The Threadripper achieves this despite having two fewer cores, relying instead on a higher base clock, larger L3 cache, and more memory bandwidth.

However, the Intel Xeon W-2170B is not without its own merits. Its 14 cores and 28 threads provide more parallel processing capacity on paper, and it offers ECC memory support, which is critical for data integrity in server and workstation environments. The Xeon's lower TDP of 140 W versus 180 W also suggests better power efficiency per unit of work, and its end-of-life status means it may be available at different terms in the used market.

For users who need maximum multi-threaded performance in Cinebench-style workloads, the Threadripper 2920X is the data-backed choice. Its active production status and unlocked multiplier add to its appeal. For users who require ECC memory, more PCIe lanes in a different configuration, or who prefer the Intel platform for compatibility reasons, the Xeon W-2170B remains a viable option, though benchmark results show it will trail in raw Cinebench performance.

The verdict from the data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X wins every benchmark in this comparison, and its consistent 3.2% to 3.3% margin suggests a fundamental architectural advantage that core count alone cannot overcome. The Xeon's higher core count does not translate into higher performance in any of the six tests conducted.