CPU
GPU
EPYC 7281
Xeon E-2436
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7281
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E-2436
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7281 | Xeon E-2436 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7281 | Xeon E-2436 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 7281 and Xeon E-2436
EPYC 7281
The EPYC 7281 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 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: 21,621 points. Launch price was $650.
Xeon E-2436
The Xeon E-2436 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 21,708 points. Launch price was $331.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7281 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon E-2436 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 7281 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the EPYC 7281 versus 5 GHz on the Xeon E-2436 — a 59.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2436 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The EPYC 7281 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E-2436 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7281 scores 21,621 against the Xeon E-2436's 21,708 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E-2436. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7281 vs 18 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2436.
| Feature | EPYC 7281 | Xeon E-2436 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+167% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 5 GHz+85% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.9 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+78% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 21,621 | 21,708 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7281 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E-2436 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | EPYC 7281 | Xeon E-2436 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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