Ryzen Threadripper 3990XvsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a 64-core workstation chip built for heavy multi-threaded tasks on the older TR4 platform, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a newer 64-core processor for professionals who need the fastest single-thread and multi-thread performance on the sTR5 socket.
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Matisse · 7 nm · 2019
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Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins overall for its much faster speed and newer architecture, leaving the older 3990X behind.
For budget/value buyers, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the smarter pick if you can find it cheap, as it still handles heavy work.
The weaker Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the right choice for a build on an older TR4 motherboard that you already own.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (86 vs 48 out of 100), so it leads the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 79% faster than the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X or the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. If the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.