AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X vs Intel Core 3 201TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X and Intel Core 3 201TE occupy opposite ends of the desktop processor spectrum, and the recorded benchmark data reflects that divide clearly. The Threadripper 9970X posts an average benchmark score of 279,778, placing it in the 99th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 3 201TE, by contrast, sits at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of 0, meaning no benchmark results are currently recorded for it. This lack of recorded data makes a direct head-to-head comparison difficult, but the Threadripper's individual test scores provide a detailed picture of its performance profile.

The Threadripper 9970X delivers a multi-thread score of 107,399 in PassMark's multithread test. Its integer math score reaches 465,378, while floating point math hits 309,719. Extended instructions score 142,342, and data compression posts 1,757,998. Data encryption completes at 86,765, and random string sorting finishes at 191,445. The processor finds prime numbers at a rate of 615 per test run, and its physics score lands at 6,835. Single-thread performance measures 4,530, which is modest compared to its massive multi-core output but still competitive for desktop workloads.

The Threadripper 9970X's nearest rivals in the database are all enterprise or workstation processors. The Intel Xeon 6780E averages 280,438, a delta of -0.2 percent relative to the Threadripper. The AMD EPYC 9565 averages 285,471, a delta of -2 percent. The Intel Xeon 696X averages 286,102, a delta of -2.2 percent, and the AMD EPYC 9555P averages 287,066, a delta of -2.5 percent. These deltas indicate the Threadripper 9970X trails these four large server chips by small margins, from two-tenths of a percent to two and a half percent. That places it squarely in the same performance class as the fastest server processors in the database, despite being marketed as a desktop part.

The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores and no nearest rivals in the database. Its percentile placement at 50 is the default for unrated processors. Without scores, the database cannot establish its standing relative to the Threadripper or any other chip. The Threadripper 9970X, meanwhile, carries a full set of eleven benchmark results spanning integer, floating point, memory-related, and single-thread workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Threadripper 9970X wins in every workload category that has recorded data. Its 32 cores and 64 threads allow it to dominate parallel workloads such as data compression, encryption, and random string sorting. The data compression score of 1,757,998 is its highest single result, reflecting the processor's ability to feed many threads simultaneously. Data encryption at 86,765 and random string sorting at 191,445 also rely heavily on thread scaling, and the recorded results confirm strong performance in these areas.

The Core 3 201TE wins in efficiency-oriented scenarios by default, as its 45 watt TDP and 4 cores target low-power desktops and embedded uses. It also includes UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics, which the Threadripper 9970X lacks entirely. The Threadripper lists integrated graphics as N/A, so the Core 3 is the only one of the two that can output video without a discrete GPU. Its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory gives it flexibility in system building, while the Threadripper is limited to DDR5 only.

For floating point and integer math, the Threadripper's scores of 309,719 and 465,378 respectively show a processor built for heavy computation. The physics score of 6,835 and the prime number finding rate of 615 round out a profile that suggests scientific computing and simulation workloads are well served. Single-thread performance at 4,530 is not exceptional but is adequate for many desktop tasks, meaning the Threadripper does not sacrifice everyday responsiveness entirely in exchange for its multi-core might.

Architecture Differences

The Threadripper 9970X uses AMD's Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Shimada Peak, built on TSMC's 4 nm process. It contains 33,260 million transistors spread across four chiplets, each measuring 70.6 mm². The Core 3 201TE uses Intel's Bartlett Lake silicon on a 10 nm process with a die size of 163 mm². The manufacturing process difference is substantial, with AMD on a more advanced node and a chiplet design versus Intel's monolithic die.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The Threadripper 9970X has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 128 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 3 201TE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The Threadripper's 128 MB of L3 is over ten times larger than the Core 3's 12 MB, which contributes to its performance in data-heavy workloads. Neither processor uses 3D V-Cache.

Memory support diverges as well. The Threadripper 9970X uses quad-channel DDR5 with a memory bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. The Core 3 201TE uses dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory, which is unusual for desktop processors and points to professional use cases for both chips, though the Threadripper's bandwidth is nearly three times higher.

PCIe connectivity is another major split. The Threadripper 9970X provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU, while the Core 3 201TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Both use the same PCIe generation, but the Threadripper offers five times the lane count, enabling many more expansion cards, NVMe drives, or GPU configurations. The Threadripper uses AMD Socket sTR5, while the Core 3 uses Intel Socket 1700.

The Threadripper 9970X has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 3 201TE is locked. Clock speeds see the Threadripper base at 4.00 GHz and boost to 5.40 GHz, while the Core 3 bases at 2.90 GHz and boosts to 4.60 GHz. The Threadripper's higher boost clock gives it an edge in lightly threaded tasks despite its server-class core count. Power targets differ enormously, with the Threadripper rated at 350 watts TDP versus the Core 3's 45 watts.

The Threadripper 9970X was released on 2025-07-29, while the Core 3 201TE came out earlier on 2025-01-12. The Threadripper's launch MSRP is $2499. The Core 3's launch MSRP is $134. The Threadripper is part of AMD's 9000 series, while the Core 3 carries the Core 3 brand under Intel's Bartlett Lake codename. The Threadripper's part number is 100-000001594, and the Core 3's is SRPKDQ5CK. Both are listed as active in production.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X has 32 cores and 64 threads. The Intel Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The Threadripper 9970X supports quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 3 201TE supports dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 with 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The Core 3 201TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Threadripper 9970X lists integrated graphics as N/A, meaning it has none.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Both processors support ECC memory.

Q: What is the PCIe lane count for each CPU?

A: The Threadripper 9970X provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU. The Core 3 201TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes.

Q: How do the boost clocks compare?

A: The Threadripper 9970X boosts to 5.40 GHz from a 4.00 GHz base. The Core 3 201TE boosts to 4.60 GHz from a 2.90 GHz base.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X | Intel Core 3 201TE |

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

| Cores | 32 | 4 |

| Threads | 64 | 8 |

| Base clock | 4.00 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.40 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 45 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Bartlett Lake |

| Process node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die size | 4x 70.6 mm² | 163 mm² |

| L1 cache | 64 KB per core | 80 KB per core |

| L2 cache | 1 MB per core | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 128 MB | 12 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 lanes | Gen 5, 16 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | N/A | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Release date | 2025-07-29 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | $2499 | $134 |