AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX and 9985WX are both 9000-series workstation behemoths built on the Zen 5 architecture, but they are differentiated by core count and price. The data shows a complete sweep for the 9995WX across every benchmark in the comparison, with the 9985WX offering a lower launch MSRP and a significantly higher base clock. This analysis breaks down the benchmark results, architectural differences, and use-case scenarios for these two processors.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons against the 9985WX. The most decisive victories come in compute-heavy workloads. In PassMark’s integer math test, the 9995WX scores 1,203,634 against 872,710 for the 9985WX, a 37.9% advantage. Similarly, floating-point math shows a 31% lead, with scores of 725,066 and 553,348 respectively. Data encryption is another major win, with the 9995WX scoring 206,662 compared to 154,824, a 33.5% gap. These results highlight the scaling benefit of the 9995WX’s additional cores.

The single-threaded results are much closer. In PassMark’s single-thread test, the 9995WX scores 4,542 versus 4,482 for the 9985WX, a slim 1.3% margin. This is reflected in the Cinebench single-core tests, where the 9995WX leads by 11.9% in both R15 and R20, and by 11.9% in R23. While the 9995WX leads in all single-core tests, the smaller delta suggests that per-core performance is similar, and the 9985WX’s higher base clock of 3.20 GHz (compared to 2.50 GHz) helps it stay competitive in lightly-threaded tasks.

In multi-threaded Cinebench workloads, the 9995WX maintains a consistent lead of 11.8% across R15, R20, and R23. The R23 multicore score is 148,601 for the 9995WX versus 132,859 for the 9985WX. The PassMark multithread score shows a 14.1% lead for the 9995WX (171,200 vs 150,071). The data also shows the 9995WX winning by 27.8% in data compression (3,723,652 vs 2,912,972), 29.7% in prime number finding (1,476 vs 1,138), and 22.3% in physics calculations (16,860 vs 13,783).

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Zen 5 architecture and use the same Shimada Peak codename, indicating a shared design lineage. They are manufactured on TSMC’s 4 nm process node. The critical difference lies in the silicon configuration. The 9995WX uses 12 compute chiplets, each with a die size of 70.6 mm², totaling 99,780 million transistors. The 9985WX, in contrast, uses 8 chiplets of the same size, with 66,520 million transistors. This direct relationship explains the core count difference: 96 cores and 192 threads for the 9995WX versus 64 cores and 128 threads for the 9985WX.

The cache hierarchy scales with the number of chiplets. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 per core, but the L3 cache differs significantly. The 9995WX has 384 MB of L3, while the 9985WX has 256 MB. This 128 MB difference in L3 cache can be substantial for workloads that rely on large datasets fitting into the cache. Both processors share the same memory subsystem: eight-channel DDR5 support with 409.6 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC memory support. They also have identical PCIe capabilities, with Gen 5 and 128 lanes (CPU only).

The base clocks differ noticeably, with the 9985WX running at 3.20 GHz versus 2.50 GHz for the 9995WX. However, both share the same maximum boost clock of 5.40 GHz. Both are unlocked, allowing for overclocking, and both have a TDP of 350 W. They are also both built for the AMD Socket sTR5. Neither has integrated graphics, and both are marked as Active production status with a release date of 2025-07-22.

Where Each One Wins

The analysis of the benchmark data paints a clear picture of the intended workloads for each CPU. The 9995WX is the clear winner for any heavily multi-threaded, parallel workload. Its 50% more cores and 50% more threads, coupled with the larger 384 MB L3 cache, provide a massive advantage in rendering, simulation, video encoding, and scientific computing. The 37.9% lead in integer math and 31% lead in floating-point math are particularly telling for number-crunching applications. The 33.5% lead in data encryption also makes it a strong choice for security-related tasks.

The 9985WX, while losing every comparison, still holds its own in specific scenarios. Its higher base clock of 3.20 GHz means that in short, bursty workloads that don't scale perfectly across all cores, it can be more responsive. The single-thread benchmark results show a very small 1.3% difference, indicating that for basic desktop responsiveness or lightly-threaded legacy applications, the 9985WX is nearly as fast. The 9985WX is also the more accessible entry point into the Threadripper PRO platform, given its lower launch MSRP, but its performance is still well above most other CPUs. For users who need the absolute maximum throughput and don't mind the price premium, the 9995WX is the definitive choice. For those who need a powerful workstation but can accept 64 cores, the 9985WX still offers 99th percentile performance.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX has 96 cores and 192 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX has 64 cores and 128 threads.

Q: How much faster is the 9995WX in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The 9995WX scores 148,601 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 11.8% higher than the 9985WX’s score of 132,859.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the 9985WX wins?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the 9995WX winning all 17 comparisons. The closest margin is in PassMark single-thread, where the 9995WX leads by only 1.3%.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The 9995WX has 384 MB of L3 cache, while the 9985WX has 256 MB.

Q: Do both processors have the same socket and memory support?

A: Yes, both use the AMD Socket sTR5, support eight-channel DDR5 memory with 409.6 GB/s bandwidth, and support ECC memory.

Q: What are the base and boost clocks for each?

A: The 9995WX has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The 9985WX has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and the same boost clock of 5.40 GHz.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 96 | 64 |

| Threads | 192 | 128 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Transistors | 99,780 million | 66,520 million |

| Die Size | 12x 70.6 mm² | 8x 70.6 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 384 MB | 256 MB |

| Launch MSRP | $11700 | $7999 |