CPU
GPU
Core i9-11900K
EPYC 7501
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-11900K
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7501
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | EPYC 7501 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($435) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | EPYC 7501 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($435) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-11900K and EPYC 7501
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 7501
The EPYC 7501 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): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 24,925 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The Core i9-11900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the EPYC 7501 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7501 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7501 — a 53.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i9-11900K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7501 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900K scores 24,990 against the EPYC 7501's 24,925 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-11900K. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7501.
| Feature | Core i9-11900K | EPYC 7501 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 32 / 64+300% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+73% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+75% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 24,990 | 24,925 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-11900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7501 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-11900K | EPYC 7501 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-11900K and EPYC 7501
