Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 8224P

Intel

Core i9-13980HX

24 Cores32 Thrd55 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 8224P

24 Cores48 Thrd160 WWMax: 3 GHz2023
EPYC family
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Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 8224P 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 i9-13980HX vs EPYC 8224P 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 8224P: 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: +22.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $187 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $855 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 53.1 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $855 MSRP).
  • Draws 55W instead of 160W, a 105W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while EPYC 8224P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 8224P, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 96 PCIe lanes.

EPYC 8224P

2023

Why buy it

  • +77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 96 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 380% more PCIe lanes (96 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 (45,421 vs 45,950).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 53.1 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($855 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
  • 190.9% higher power demand at 160W vs 55W.
  • 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 8224P?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 8224P 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13980HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.9% 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 i9-13980HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.
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 $187 cheaper on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $855 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.5% better value on MSRP (68.8 vs 53.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 8224P is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 8224P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

EPYC 8224P

The EPYC 8224P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.55 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,421 points. Launch price was $855.

Processing Power

The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, matching the EPYC 8224P's 24 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 8224P — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.55 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 8224P uses Siena (2023−2024) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the EPYC 8224P's 45,421 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i9-13980HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 8224P.

FeatureCore i9-13980HXEPYC 8224P
Cores / Threads
24 / 32
24 / 48
Boost Clock
5.5 GHz+83%
3 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
2.55 GHz+16%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+78%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
5 nm-29%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
Siena (2023−2024)
PassMark
45,950+1%
45,421
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 8224P uses SP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13980HX versus 4800 on the EPYC 8224P — the Core i9-13980HX supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 8224P supports up to 1152 of RAM compared to 192 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 6 (EPYC 8224P). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 96 (EPYC 8224P) — the EPYC 8224P offers 76 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and SP6 (EPYC 8224P).

FeatureCore i9-13980HXEPYC 8224P
Socket
FCBGA1964
SP6
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
5600+17%
4800
Max RAM Capacity
192
1152+500%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
96+380%
🔧

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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13980HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 8224P). The Core i9-13980HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the EPYC 8224P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; EPYC 8224P rivals Xeon Platinum 8452Y.

FeatureCore i9-13980HXEPYC 8224P
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, AMD-V
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13980HX was priced at $668, while the EPYC 8224P came in at $855. On launch pricing ($668 vs $855), Core i9-13980HX was $187 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 53.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 8224P — making the Core i9-13980HX the 25.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13980HXEPYC 8224P
MSRP
$668-22%
$855
Performance per Dollar
68.8+30%
53.1
Release Date
2023
2023

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