EPYC 7282 vs Core i9-9960X
EPYC 7282
Core i9-9960X
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 7282
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($199) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($199) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 7282 and Core i9-9960X
EPYC 7282
The EPYC 7282 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,201 points. Launch price was $650.
Core i9-9960X
The Core i9-9960X 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22 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: 29,927 points. Launch price was $1,684.
Processing Power
Both the EPYC 7282 and Core i9-9960X share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7282 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-9960X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The EPYC 7282 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Core i9-9960X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7282 scores 30,201 against the Core i9-9960X's 29,927 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7282. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,086 vs 1,650, a 41.2% lead for the Core i9-9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,638 vs 10,700 (33.4% advantage for the Core i9-9960X). L3 cache: 64 MB on the EPYC 7282 vs 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X.
| Feature | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.5 GHz+41% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.1 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+191% | 22 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB+700% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 30,201 | 29,927 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,086 | 1,650+52% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,638 | 10,700+40% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7282 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-9960X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The EPYC 7282 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7282) vs 4 (Core i9-9960X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7282) vs 44 (Core i9-9960X) — the EPYC 7282 offers 84 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3,Rome (EPYC 7282) and X299 (Core i9-9960X).
| Feature | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+3100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+191% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9960X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV (EPYC 7282) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9960X). Primary use case: EPYC 7282 targets Edge Server / Entry Server, Core i9-9960X targets HEDT. Direct competitor: EPYC 7282 rivals Xeon Silver 4216.
| Feature | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Edge Server / Entry Server | HEDT |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7282 launched at $650 MSRP, while the Core i9-9960X debuted at $1684. At current prices ($199 vs $200), the EPYC 7282 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7282 delivers 151.8 pts/$ vs 149.6 pts/$ for the Core i9-9960X — making the EPYC 7282 the 1.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7282 | Core i9-9960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $650-61% | $1684 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $199 | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 151.8+1% | 149.6 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2018 |
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