
EPYC 7302 vs Xeon w3-2535

EPYC 7302

Xeon w3-2535
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 7302
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w3-2535
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($109) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+637%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($109) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
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 7302 and Xeon w3-2535

EPYC 7302
The EPYC 7302 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 33,499 points. Launch price was $978.

Xeon w3-2535
The Xeon w3-2535 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 33,367 points. Launch price was $739.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7302 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w3-2535 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the EPYC 7302 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7302 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w3-2535 — a 32.9% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2535 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The EPYC 7302 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7302 scores 33,499 against the Xeon w3-2535's 33,367 — a 0.4% lead for the EPYC 7302. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 19,500 vs 17,500 (10.8% advantage for the EPYC 7302). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,192 vs 2,254, a 61.6% lead for the Xeon w3-2535 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,254 vs 12,400 (18.9% advantage for the Xeon w3-2535). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7302 vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w3-2535.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+60% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz+39% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+22% | 26.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 33,499 | 33,367 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 19,500+11% | 17,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,192 | 2,254+89% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,254 | 12,400+21% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7302 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7302 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2535 — the Xeon w3-2535 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7302 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 2048 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7302) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2535). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7302) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2535) — the EPYC 7302 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80,SP3 (EPYC 7302) and W790 (Xeon w3-2535).
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+100% | 2048 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+100% | 64 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon w3-2535 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV (EPYC 7302) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w3-2535). Primary use case: EPYC 7302 targets Server / Multi-thread Workstation, Xeon w3-2535 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7302 rivals Xeon Gold 6230; Xeon w3-2535 rivals EPYC 7313.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Server / Multi-thread Workstation | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7302 launched at $978 MSRP, while the Xeon w3-2535 debuted at $739. At current prices ($109 vs $800), the EPYC 7302 is $691 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7302 delivers 307.3 pts/$ vs 41.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w3-2535 — making the EPYC 7302 the 152.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $978 | $739-24% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $109-86% | $800 |
| Performance per Dollar | 307.3+637% | 41.7 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2024 |
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