CPU
GPU
EPYC 7303
Ryzen 7 260
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 7303
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 260
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7303 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7303 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) |
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.
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 7303 and Ryzen 7 260
EPYC 7303
The EPYC 7303 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 28,572 points. Launch price was $604.
Ryzen 7 260
The Ryzen 7 260 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7303 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 7 260 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the EPYC 7303 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7303 versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 260 — a 40% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 260 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The EPYC 7303 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses Hawk Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7303 scores 28,572 against the Ryzen 7 260's 28,339 — a 0.8% lead for the EPYC 7303. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7303 vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 260.
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+100% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 5.1 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz+58% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+300% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Hawk Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 28,572 | 28,339 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,960 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7303 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7303 versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 7 260 — the Ryzen 7 260 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7303 supports up to 204 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 104.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7303) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 260). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7303) vs 20 (Ryzen 7 260) — the EPYC 7303 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 204 GB+219% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+540% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the EPYC 7303 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 7 260 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7303) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 260). The Ryzen 7 260 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the EPYC 7303 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 7303 targets High-frequency Server Workloads, Ryzen 7 260 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: EPYC 7303 rivals Xeon Gold 6334.
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SVM | AMD-V |
| Target Use | High-frequency Server Workloads | Mobile |
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