Core i7-9800X vs EPYC 4124P

Intel

Core i7-9800X

8 Cores16 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

EPYC 4124P

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2024
EPYC family
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Core i7-9800X vs EPYC 4124P Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-9800X vs EPYC 4124P FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-9800X vs EPYC 4124P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-9800X

2018

Why buy it

  • +24.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • 57.1% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,372 vs 1,962).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $589 MSRP, while EPYC 4124P mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while EPYC 4124P moves to AM5 and DDR5.

EPYC 4124P

2024

Why buy it

  • +43% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +93.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 17 MB).
  • Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
  • Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Graphics, while Core i7-9800X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (10,500 vs 13,067).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 4124P better than Core i7-9800X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 4124P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9800X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-9800X is the stronger fit. You are getting 24.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 4124P is still the much better call for a fresh build. EPYC 4124P comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $589 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9800X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (30.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 4124P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and 93.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 17 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9800X vs EPYC 4124P Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-9800X

The Core i7-9800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.

AMD

EPYC 4124P

The EPYC 4124P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 May 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raphael (2023−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,139 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9800X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the EPYC 4124P offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9800X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X versus 5.1 GHz on the EPYC 4124P — a 12.5% clock advantage for the EPYC 4124P (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-9800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 4124P uses Raphael (2023−2025) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9800X scores 18,128 against the EPYC 4124P's 18,139 — a 0.1% lead for the EPYC 4124P. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,067 vs 10,500 (21.8% advantage for the Core i7-9800X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,372 vs 1,962, a 35.4% lead for the EPYC 4124P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,552 vs 1,898 (119.7% advantage for the Core i7-9800X). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 4124P.

FeatureCore i7-9800XEPYC 4124P
Cores / Threads
8 / 16+100%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
5.1 GHz+13%
Base Clock
3.8 GHz
3.8 GHz
L3 Cache
16.5 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+94%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
5 nm-64%
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Raphael (2023−2025)
PassMark
18,128
18,139
Cinebench R23 Multi
13,067+24%
10,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,372
1,962+43%
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,552+298%
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 4124P uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9800X versus DDR5-5200 on the EPYC 4124P — the EPYC 4124P supports 95% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 4124P supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-9800X) vs 2 (EPYC 4124P). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i7-9800X) vs 28 (EPYC 4124P) — the Core i7-9800X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-9800X) and B650,X670,X870 (EPYC 4124P).

FeatureCore i7-9800XEPYC 4124P
Socket
LGA2066
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-5200+95%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
192 GB+50%
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
44+57%
28
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9800X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X) vs AMD-V, AMD-Vi (EPYC 4124P). The EPYC 4124P includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation, EPYC 4124P targets Entry Server. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT; EPYC 4124P rivals Core i5-10500T.

FeatureCore i7-9800XEPYC 4124P
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon Graphics
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V, AMD-Vi
Target Use
Workstation
Entry Server