Core i9-9940X vs EPYC 7401P

Intel

Core i9-9940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

EPYC 7401P

24 Cores48 Thrd155 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
EPYC family
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Core i9-9940X vs EPYC 7401P 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 i9-9940X vs EPYC 7401P 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 i9-9940X vs EPYC 7401P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9940X

2018

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7401P, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $1,387 MSRP, while EPYC 7401P mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

EPYC 7401P

2017

Why buy it

  • +232.5% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads.
  • Draws 155W instead of 165W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (27,836 vs 28,088).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9940X better than EPYC 7401P?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7401P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9940X 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 i9-9940X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 i9-9940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-9940X is the better buy right now. Core i9-9940X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,387 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9940X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017), more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 24/48, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9940X vs EPYC 7401P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-9940X

The Core i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

AMD

EPYC 7401P

The EPYC 7401P 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 24 cores and 48 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: 27,836 points. Launch price was $1,075.

Processing Power

The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the EPYC 7401P offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7401P has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401P — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i9-9940X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i9-9940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 7401P uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the EPYC 7401P's 27,836 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-9940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401P.

FeatureCore i9-9940XEPYC 7401P
Cores / Threads
14 / 28
24 / 48+71%
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+50%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+65%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+232%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Naples (2017−2018)
PassMark
28,088
27,836
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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 7401P uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i9-9940XEPYC 7401P
Socket
LGA2066
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
44
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9940X) / not specified (EPYC 7401P). Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i9-9940XEPYC 7401P
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation