Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 73F3

CPU

GPU

Core i9-13980HX

24 Cores32 Thrd55 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2023

Core family

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EPYC 73F3

16 Cores32 Thrd240 WWMax: 4 GHz2021

EPYC family

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Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 73F3 Performance Spectrum

Core i9-13980HX

24 / 32

45,950

0.0%

46,103

+0.3%

Ryzen 7 5800

Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS

Ryzen 7 7700X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

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 i9-13980HX vs EPYC 73F3 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 i9-13980HX vs EPYC 73F3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13980HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,853 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Delivers 425.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 240W, a 185W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (45,950 vs 46,103).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 73F3, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

EPYC 73F3

2021

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+611.1% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13980HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($3,521 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
❌336.4% higher power demand at 240W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core i9-13980HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13980HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13980HX better than EPYC 73F3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 73F3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-13980HX 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 73F3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 611.1% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 36 MB).

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

Core i9-13980HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-13980HX comes in $2,853 cheaper on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $3,521 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 73F3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 425.3% better value on MSRP (68.8 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13980HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of SP3. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 73F3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-13980HX

The Core i9-13980HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,950 points. Launch price was $668.

EPYC 73F3

The EPYC 73F3 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 46,103 points. Launch price was $3,521.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 73F3 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13980HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 4 GHz on the EPYC 73F3 — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 73F3 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm+). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the EPYC 73F3's 46,103 — a 0.3% lead for the EPYC 73F3. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 73F3.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	EPYC 73F3
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+38%	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+59%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	256 MB (total)+611%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+300%	512 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm+
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Milan (2021−2023)
PassMark	45,950	46,103

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 73F3 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3200 on the EPYC 73F3 — the Core i9-13980HX supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 73F3 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 8 (EPYC 73F3). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 128 (EPYC 73F3) — the EPYC 73F3 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and SP3,C621A (EPYC 73F3).

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	EPYC 73F3
Socket	FCBGA1964	SP3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+75%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	192	4096+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	128+540%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13980HX 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13980HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the EPYC 73F3 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; EPYC 73F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	EPYC 73F3
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13980HX was priced at $668, while the EPYC 73F3 came in at $3521. On launch pricing ($668 vs $3521), Core i9-13980HX was $2853 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 73F3 — making the Core i9-13980HX the 136% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	EPYC 73F3
MSRP	$668-81%	$3521
Performance per Dollar	68.8+425%	13.1
Release Date	2023	2021

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