Core i9-10920X vs EPYC 7551

Intel

Core i9-10920X

12 Cores24 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019
Core family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 7551

32 Cores64 Thrd180 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
EPYC family
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Core i9-10920X vs EPYC 7551 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 i9-10920X vs EPYC 7551 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 i9-10920X vs EPYC 7551: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-10920X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 165W instead of 180W, a 15W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7551, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $689 MSRP, while EPYC 7551 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

EPYC 7551

2017

Why buy it

  • +232.5% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-10920X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (25,844 vs 25,875).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10920X better than EPYC 7551?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7551 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-10920X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-10920X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-10920X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-10920X is the better buy right now. Core i9-10920X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $689 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-10920X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017), more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 32/64, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-10920X vs EPYC 7551 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-10920X

The Core i9-10920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 25,875 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

EPYC 7551

The EPYC 7551 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 25,844 points. Launch price was $3,400.

Processing Power

The Core i9-10920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7551 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7551 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10920X versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7551 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10920X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i9-10920X uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7551 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10920X scores 25,875 against the EPYC 7551's 25,844 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-10920X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-10920X vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7551.

FeatureCore i9-10920XEPYC 7551
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
32 / 64+167%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+60%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+75%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+232%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Naples (2017−2018)
PassMark
25,875
25,844
Cinebench R23 Multi
15,458
Geekbench 6 Single
1,250
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 7551 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i9-10920XEPYC 7551
Socket
LGA2066
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
44
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-10920X) / not specified (EPYC 7551). Primary use case: Core i9-10920X targets HEDT/Workstation.

FeatureCore i9-10920XEPYC 7551
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
HEDT/Workstation