AMD's 64-Core Threadripper 9980X Claims Desktop CPU Performance Crown
AMD has once again asserted its dominance in the high-end desktop processor market with the Threadripper 9980X, which has emerged as the fastest desktop CPU on PassMark's comprehensive benchmark database. The 64-core processor achieved a remarkable score of 147,481 in multithread testing, placing it at the top of over 1,450 tested desktop processors.
The Threadripper 9980X represents AMD's latest entry in the Threadripper 9000 series, which officially launched in July 2025. Built on the company's Zen 5 architecture, the processor leverages 64 cores and 128 threads to deliver exceptional performance in heavily multithreaded workloads. The chip operates at a base clock of 3.2 GHz with boost speeds reaching 5.4 GHz, supported by a substantial 256 MB L3 cache designed to accelerate system performance.
According to PassMark's database, the Threadripper 9980X operates with a typical thermal design power (TDP) of 350 watts, reflecting the substantial power requirements of its 64-core configuration. The benchmark site notes a high margin of error in early results, as this represents the first sample of AMD's "Shimada Peak" Threadripper architecture to appear in their testing database.
When compared to its direct predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X from 2023, the new processor demonstrates a solid generational improvement. The Zen 4-based Threadripper 7980X, which also featured 64 cores, achieved an average multithread score of 136,517 across 74 samples. This places the new Zen 5 processor ahead by approximately 8.03%, representing a meaningful but incremental performance gain.
The performance improvement, while notable, suggests AMD's measured approach to the high-end desktop market. With limited competition in the 64-core desktop processor space, the company appears focused on steady architectural improvements rather than dramatic performance leaps. This strategy reflects the specialized nature of the Threadripper market, which primarily serves content creators, workstation users, and enthusiasts who require maximum multithreaded performance.
Market Implications and User Impact
For professionals working with demanding applications such as 3D rendering, video editing, scientific computing, and virtualization, the Threadripper 9980X offers the highest level of desktop processing power currently available. The 8% performance improvement over the previous generation, combined with architectural enhancements in Zen 5, should translate to measurably faster completion times for compute-intensive tasks.
The processor's 350-watt TDP requirement means users will need robust cooling solutions and high-capacity power supplies, making it primarily suitable for dedicated workstations rather than general-purpose desktop systems. However, for users whose workflows can effectively utilize dozens of CPU cores, the performance benefits justify the additional infrastructure requirements.
AMD's continued leadership in the high-core-count desktop segment reinforces the company's position as the go-to choice for users prioritizing maximum multithreaded performance. As the Threadripper 9000 series becomes more widely available, the 9980X is expected to become the new benchmark against which other high-end desktop processors are measured.