EPYC 7261 vs Ryzen 3 4100

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.

EPYC 7261 vs Ryzen 3 4100 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.

EPYC 7261 vs Ryzen 3 4100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7261

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+299.8% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.3 vs 111.7 PassMark/$ ($501 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
❌138.5% higher power demand at 155W vs 65W.

Ryzen 3 4100

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $402 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $501 MSRP).
✅Delivers 402.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.7 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $501 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 155W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 7261 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (11,062 vs 11,149).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7261, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 7261 better than Ryzen 3 4100?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7261 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 3 4100 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, EPYC 7261 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% 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, EPYC 7261 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 299.8% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).

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

EPYC 7261 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 3 4100 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 7261 comes in 406.1% more expensive on MSRP at $501 MSRP versus $99 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 3 4100 is also 402.1% better value on MSRP (111.7 vs 22.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Ryzen 3 4100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

EPYC 7261 vs Ryzen 3 4100 Technical Specifications

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

EPYC 7261

The EPYC 7261 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,149 points. Launch price was $800.

Ryzen 3 4100

The Ryzen 3 4100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Renoir (2020−2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8.00391 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 11,062 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The EPYC 7261 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 3 4100 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the EPYC 7261 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the EPYC 7261 versus 4 GHz on the Ryzen 3 4100 — a 31.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 4100 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The EPYC 7261 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 3 4100 uses Renoir (2020−2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7261 scores 11,149 against the Ryzen 3 4100's 11,062 — a 0.8% lead for the EPYC 7261. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7261 vs 8.00391 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 4100.

Feature	EPYC 7261	Ryzen 3 4100
Cores / Threads	8 / 16+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	4 GHz+38%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.8 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)+300%	8.00391 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512K (per core)
Process	14 nm	7 nm-50%
Architecture	Naples (2017−2018)	Renoir (2020−2023)
PassMark	11,149	11,062

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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7261 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 3 4100 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	EPYC 7261	Ryzen 3 4100
Socket	SP3	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 7261 was priced at $501, while the Ryzen 3 4100 came in at $99. On launch pricing ($501 vs $99), Ryzen 3 4100 was $402 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7261 delivers 22.3 pts/$ vs 111.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 4100 — making the Ryzen 3 4100 the 133.6% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 7261	Ryzen 3 4100
MSRP	$501	$99-80%
Performance per Dollar	22.3	111.7+401%
Release Date	2018	2022

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