Performance comparison: which is faster?
AMD Threadripper 2990WX (AMD, 2018) and AMD Threadripper 1950X (AMD, 2017) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: Threadripper 2990WX is about 50% faster
Both use the same TR4 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | Threadripper 2990WX | Threadripper 1950X |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 48,000 | 32,000 |
| Generation | Threadripper | Threadripper |
| Socket | TR4 | TR4 |
| Release Year | 2018 | 2017 |
| Type | Server | Server |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon RX 6700 | Radeon RX 6650 XT |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | Threadripper 2990WX |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same TR4 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | Threadripper 1950X (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Threadripper 2990WX is about 50% higher by score (Threadripper 2990WX: 48000 points / Threadripper 1950X: 32000 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are Threadripper-generation CPUs.Both use the same TR4 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon RX 6700 pairs well with Threadripper 2990WX and Radeon RX 6650 XT pairs well with Threadripper 1950X. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
