What To Know
- This substantial difference in core count and threading gives the Threadripper 3990X a significant advantage in heavily multithreaded applications that can utilize a large number of parallel processes.
- The Xeon E5-2690 v4 supports DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 1TB, while the Threadripper 3990X supports DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 2TB.
- If you need a processor with a large number of cores and threads for heavily multithreaded applications, the Threadripper 3990X is the clear winner.
In the realm of high-performance computing, the Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 and AMD Threadripper 3990X stand as formidable contenders. These processors boast unparalleled power and versatility, making them ideal for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two titans, exploring their specifications, performance, and suitability for various applications.
Specifications and Architecture
The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 is a 14-core, 28-thread processor based on the Haswell microarchitecture. It operates at a base frequency of 2.6GHz, with a turbo boost frequency of up to 3.5GHz. On the other hand, the AMD Threadripper 3990X is a 64-core, 128-thread processor based on the Zen 2 microarchitecture. It runs at a base frequency of 2.9GHz, with a boost frequency of up to 4.3GHz. Both processors utilize a socket LGA 2011-3 (Xeon) and sTRX4 (Threadripper).
Core Count and Threading
One of the most significant differences between these processors is their core count and threading capabilities. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 14 cores and 28 threads, while the Threadripper 3990X boasts an astonishing 64 cores and 128 threads. This substantial difference in core count and threading gives the Threadripper 3990X a significant advantage in heavily multithreaded applications that can utilize a large number of parallel processes.
Clock Speed and IPC
In terms of clock speed, the Threadripper 3990X has a slight edge over the Xeon E5-2690 v4. The Threadripper 3990X’s base frequency is 2.9GHz compared to the Xeon E5-2690 v4’s 2.6GHz. However, the Xeon E5-2690 v4’s turbo boost frequency of 3.5GHz is slightly higher than the Threadripper 3990X’s 4.3GHz. It’s worth noting that clock speed is only one factor that determines performance, and IPC (instructions per clock) also plays a crucial role.
Cache Size
Cache size is another important factor that can affect performance. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 features a total of 35MB of cache, including 25MB of L3 cache and 10MB of L2 cache. The Threadripper 3990X, on the other hand, has a much larger cache size of 288MB, including 192MB of L3 cache and 96MB of L2 cache. The larger cache size of the Threadripper 3990X can provide a significant performance advantage in applications that require frequent access to memory.
Memory Support
Both the Xeon E5-2690 v4 and Threadripper 3990X support quad-channel memory. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 supports DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 1TB, while the Threadripper 3990X supports DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 2TB. The Threadripper 3990X also supports faster memory speeds, with support for DDR4-3200 memory compared to the Xeon E5-2690 v4’s DDR4-2133 memory support.
Performance Benchmarks
In terms of performance, the Threadripper 3990X consistently outperforms the Xeon E5-2690 v4 in most benchmarks. In Cinebench R23, the Threadripper 3990X achieves a multi-core score of 64,112, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 scores 20,250. In Geekbench 5, the Threadripper 3990X scores 1,082 in the multi-core test, compared to the Xeon E5-2690 v4’s score of 348. The Threadripper 3990X also has a significant advantage in rendering and video editing applications.
Power Consumption and Thermal Output
Power consumption and thermal output are important considerations for high-performance processors. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 has a TDP (thermal design power) of 145W, while the Threadripper 3990X has a TDP of 280W. This means that the Threadripper 3990X requires a more robust cooling solution to maintain optimal performance.
Suitable Applications
The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 and AMD Threadripper 3990X are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
- Video editing and rendering
- 3D animation and modeling
- Scientific simulations
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Data analytics and business intelligence
The Threadripper 3990X is particularly well-suited for applications that require a large number of cores and threads, such as video rendering, scientific simulations, and machine learning. The Xeon E5-2690 v4, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective option for applications that do not require as many cores and threads.
Which Processor Should You Choose?
The choice between the Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 and AMD Threadripper 3990X depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you need a processor with a large number of cores and threads for heavily multithreaded applications, the Threadripper 3990X is the clear winner. However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not require as many cores and threads, the Xeon E5-2690 v4 is a more cost-effective option.
Beyond Performance: Other Considerations
In addition to performance, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 and AMD Threadripper 3990X, such as:
- Availability: The Xeon E5-2690 v4 is an older processor and may not be as readily available as the Threadripper 3990X.
- Ecosystem support: Intel has a long-standing ecosystem of software and hardware vendors that support its Xeon processors. AMD has a growing ecosystem, but it may not be as mature as Intel’s.
- Price: The Xeon E5-2690 v4 is typically less expensive than the Threadripper 3990X.
Recommendations: Determining the Ultimate Winner
The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 and AMD Threadripper 3990X are both exceptional processors that cater to different needs. The Threadripper 3990X is the clear winner in terms of performance, offering a massive number of cores and threads for heavily multithreaded applications. However, the Xeon E5-2690 v4 is a more cost-effective option for users who do not require as many cores and threads. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific workload, budget, and other considerations.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The AMD Threadripper 3990X is generally better for video editing due to its higher core count and multi-threading capabilities.
Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?
A: The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 is more power-efficient than the AMD Threadripper 3990X, with a TDP of 145W compared to 280W.
Q: Which processor is more affordable?
A: The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 is typically more affordable than the AMD Threadripper 3990X.
