Core i9-7940X vs EPYC 7272

Core i9-7940X vs EPYC 7272 Performance Spectrum

Core i9-7940X

14 / 28

25,452

+1.2%

25,161

0.0%

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 i9-7940X 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 i9-7940X 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 i9-7940X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,399 MSRP, while EPYC 7272 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌37.5% higher power demand at 165W vs 120W.

EPYC 7272

2019

Why buy it

✅+66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Draws 120W instead of 165W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (25,161 vs 25,452).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-7940X 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 i9-7940X 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 i9-7940X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i9-7940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

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

Core i9-7940X is the better buy right now. Core i9-7940X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,399 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (18.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

EPYC 7272 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and 66.2% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-7940X vs EPYC 7272 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-7940X

The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.

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 i9-7940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the EPYC 7272 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-7940X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X versus 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7272 — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-7940X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i9-7940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7272 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7940X scores 25,452 against the EPYC 7272's 25,161 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i9-7940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7272.

Feature	Core i9-7940X	EPYC 7272
Cores / Threads	14 / 28+17%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+38%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+7%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+66%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	7 nm, 14 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Zen 2 (2017−2020)
PassMark	25,452+1%	25,161

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 7272 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.