AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX Comparison

Both AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X are 2000-series desktop processors built on the Zen+ architecture (Colfax) for the AMD Socket SP3r2 platform. The 2970WX is the larger part with 24 cores and 48 threads, while the 2950X offers 16 cores and 32 threads, and the benchmark data shows a split decision: the 2970WX wins six of eight head-to-head tests, but the 2950X takes a decisive victory in Geekbench multi-core. This comparison uses only the provided benchmark scores, architectural facts, and rival context to determine which processor fits which workload.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 24 cores and 48 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has 16 cores and 32 threads.

Q: What are the base and boost clock speeds for each?

A: The 2970WX has a 3.00 GHz base clock and a 4.20 GHz boost clock. The 2950X has a 3.50 GHz base clock and a 4.40 GHz boost clock.

Q: How do they compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The 2970WX scores 26305, which is 5.1% ahead of the 2950X’s 25040 in the same test.

Q: Which chip wins in Geekbench multi-core, and by how much?

A: The 2950X wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 8469, which is 15% higher than the 2970WX’s 7195.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory configuration?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 memory in a Quad-channel configuration with a memory bandwidth of 93.9 GB/s, and neither supports ECC memory.

Q: What is the launch MSRP for each?

A: The 2970WX has a launch MSRP of $1299, and the 2950X has a launch MSRP of $899.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture: Zen+, 12 nm process node, GlobalFoundries as the foundry, and the Colfax codename. The key architectural difference lies in the physical composition. The 2970WX uses a 4x 213 mm² die configuration with 19,200 million transistors, whereas the 2950X uses a 2x 213 mm² die setup with 9,600 million transistors. This doubling of dies in the 2970WX directly corresponds to its higher core count, but also affects cache: the 2970WX has a 64 MB L3 cache, while the 2950X has a 32 MB L3 cache. Both share identical per-core L1 (96 KB) and L2 (512 KB) caches.

The TDP differs significantly, with the 2970WX rated at 250 W compared to the 2950X’s 180 W, reflecting the extra cores and dies. Both are unlocked (multiplier unlocked) and support PCIe Gen 3 with 60 lanes from the CPU only. Neither has integrated graphics, and both are marked as Active in production status. The release dates differ by about a month: the 2950X launched on 2018-08-30, and the 2970WX on 2018-10-01. The 2970WX has a higher launch MSRP ($1299 vs $899), which aligns with its larger silicon footprint.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a clear pattern: the 2970WX dominates in Cinebench workloads, while the 2950X excels in Geekbench. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 2970WX scores 2651 against 2523 for the 2950X, a 5.1% advantage. The same 5.1% delta appears in Cinebench R15 single-core (374 vs 356), Cinebench R20 multi-core (11048 vs 10516), Cinebench R20 single-core (1559 vs 1484), and Cinebench R23 multi-core (26305 vs 25040). Cinebench R23 single-core shows a slightly narrower 5% edge for the 2970WX, with scores of 3713 vs 3535.

However, the Geekbench results flip the narrative. In Geekbench multi-core, the 2950X scores 8469, which is 15% higher than the 2970WX’s 7195. Geekbench single-core also favors the 2950X, albeit marginally, with 1255 vs 1236, a 1.5% difference. This means the 2970WX wins six of the eight head-to-head tests, but the two Geekbench losses are notable because the multi-core margin is large.

The average benchmark scores reflect this split: the 2970WX averages 6760, while the 2950X averages 6647. Both sit at the 62nd percentile versus all CPUs. The nearest rivals for the 2970WX include the Intel Core i7-12700E (avg score 6776, delta -0.2%) and Intel Xeon Gold 6154 (avg 6803, delta -0.6%). For the 2950X, the nearest rivals are the Intel Core i5-13400E (avg 6638, delta 0.1%) and Intel Core i9-9940X (avg 6657, delta -0.1%). These deltas are small, indicating both chips are tightly clustered with their competition.

The Verdict

The data suggests a clear workload-based choice. The 2970WX is the pick for heavily threaded, rendering-style tasks: it leads in every Cinebench test by 5% to 5.1%, which aligns with its 50% more cores (24 vs 16). The 2950X, despite having fewer cores, wins Geekbench multi-core by a substantial 15%, indicating it handles that specific workload far better. This is counterintuitive given the core count difference, but the benchmark results are unambiguous.

For a builder prioritizing Cinebench-class rendering, the 2970WX offers a consistent edge, though the 5% margin is modest relative to the core count increase. For Geekbench-based applications, the 2950X is the superior choice, and its single-core lead (1.5%) suggests it also has a slight frequency advantage in lightly threaded tasks, consistent with its higher boost clock (4.40 GHz vs 4.20 GHz). The 2950X also carries a lower TDP (180 W vs 250 W), which implies easier cooling requirements, though the fact pack does not quantify cooler sizes.

The launch MSRP difference is notable ($1299 vs $899), but the performance delta in Cinebench is only 5%, making the 2950X the more efficient performer per dollar in those tests, while the 2970WX’s extra cores might justify its price for multithreaded workloads beyond the provided benchmarks. Neither chip has a percentile advantage over the other, as both are at 62nd percentile, so the decision hinges entirely on which benchmark suite matches the user’s software.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |

|-------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Cores | 24 | 16 |

| Threads | 48 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 3.00 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.20 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 250 W | 180 W |

| Transistors | 19,200 million | 9,600 million |

| Die Size | 4x 213 mm² | 2x 213 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 32 MB |

| Release Date | 2018-10-01 | 2018-08-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $1299 | $899 |

| Part Number | YD297XAZUHCAF | YD295XA8UGAAF |

Identical fields include the socket (AMD Socket SP3r2), architecture (Zen+), codename (Colfax), process node (12 nm), foundry (GlobalFoundries), memory support (DDR4, Quad-channel, 93.9 GB/s), ECC support (false), PCIe (Gen 3, 60 lanes CPU only), integrated graphics (none), market segment (Desktop), production status (Active), and multiplier (unlocked).

Where Each One Wins

The 2970WX wins in all Cinebench tests, which are classic render and CPU-throughput benchmarks. Its multi-core scores (2651 in R15, 11048 in R20, 26305 in R23) and single-core scores (374 in R15, 1559 in R20, 3713 in R23) all beat the 2950X. This makes it the better choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, or any software that scales with core count in a manner similar to Cinebench. The 5% advantage is consistent across all six tests, so users can expect a uniform uplift.

The 2950X wins in Geekbench, both multi-core (8469 vs 7195, a 15% lead) and single-core (1255 vs 1236, a 1.5% lead). Geekbench tests often reflect different instruction-level efficiency and memory latency patterns, and the 2950X’s higher base clock (3.50 GHz vs 3.00 GHz) likely contributes to its single-core win. For users whose workloads resemble Geekbench’s mix—which can include encryption, image processing, and mixed integer/float tasks—the 2950X is decisively better, despite having 8 fewer cores.

In practical terms, the 2970WX is for sustained, parallel rendering workloads; the 2950X is for general-purpose compute with a Geekbench-like profile and for users who want higher clock speeds. The 2950X’s lower TDP (180 W vs 250 W) also makes it easier to cool, though the fact pack does not specify cooler requirements. The 2970WX’s larger L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB) may help in cache-sensitive tasks, but the benchmark data shows the 2950X still wins in Geekbench, so cache size alone does not dictate performance. Ultimately, the choice is between the 2970WX’s Cinebench dominance and the 2950X’s Geekbench superiority, with the latter also offering a lower launch MSRP.