Core i9-11900K vs EPYC 7272

Core i9-11900K vs EPYC 7272 Performance Spectrum

Core i9-11900K

8 / 16

24,990

0.0%

25,161

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 i9-11900K vs EPYC 7272 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 i9-11900K vs EPYC 7272: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-11900K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (24,990 vs 25,161).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7272, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $539 MSRP, while EPYC 7272 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

EPYC 7272

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 125W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-11900K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900K better than EPYC 7272?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7272 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900K 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, EPYC 7272 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-11900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $539 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 7272 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (46.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-11900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11900K vs EPYC 7272 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11900K

The Core i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.

EPYC 7272

The EPYC 7272 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 25,161 points. Launch price was $625.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-11900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the EPYC 7272 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7272 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K versus 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7272 — a 47.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i9-11900K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7272 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900K scores 24,990 against the EPYC 7272's 25,161 — a 0.7% lead for the EPYC 7272. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7272.

Feature	Core i9-11900K	EPYC 7272
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+63%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+21%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	7 nm, 14 nm-50%
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Zen 2 (2017−2020)
PassMark	24,990	25,161

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7272 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.