EPYC 7303 vs Xeon W-3245M

AMD

EPYC 7303

16 Cores32 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2023
EPYC family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-3245M

16 Cores32 Thrd205 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
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EPYC 7303 vs Xeon W-3245M Performance Spectrum

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.

EPYC 7303 vs Xeon W-3245M 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 7303 vs Xeon W-3245M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7303

2023

Why buy it

  • +190.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 22 MB).
  • Draws 130W instead of 205W, a 75W reduction.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-3245M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,000 vs 18,500).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-3245M

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +21.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (22 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $5,002 MSRP, while EPYC 7303 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 57.7% higher power demand at 205W vs 130W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-3245M better than EPYC 7303?
Yes. Xeon W-3245M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-3245M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.9% 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, Xeon W-3245M is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-3245M is the better buy right now. Xeon W-3245M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $5,002 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-3245M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 16/32 and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

EPYC 7303 vs Xeon W-3245M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon W-3245M

The Xeon W-3245M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 28,494 points. Launch price was $5,002.

Processing Power

Both the EPYC 7303 and Xeon W-3245M share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7303 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3245M — a 30% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3245M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 7303 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon W-3245M uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7303 scores 28,572 against the Xeon W-3245M's 28,494 — a 0.3% lead for the EPYC 7303. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,000 vs 18,500 (2.7% advantage for the Xeon W-3245M). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,960 vs 1,474, a 28.3% lead for the EPYC 7303 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,000 vs 11,572 (5.1% advantage for the Xeon W-3245M). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7303 vs 22 MB on the Xeon W-3245M.

FeatureEPYC 7303Xeon W-3245M
Cores / Threads
16 / 32
16 / 32
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.6 GHz+35%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.2 GHz+33%
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+191%
22 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
16 MB+3100%
Process
7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Milan (2021−2023)
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark
28,572
28,494
Cinebench R23 Multi
18,000
18,500+3%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,960+33%
1,474
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,000
11,572+5%
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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7303 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-3245M uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7303 versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-3245M — the EPYC 7303 supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3245M supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 204 GB 903.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7303) vs 6 (Xeon W-3245M). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7303) vs 64 (Xeon W-3245M) — the EPYC 7303 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 platform (EPYC 7303) and C621 (Xeon W-3245M).

FeatureEPYC 7303Xeon W-3245M
Socket
SP3
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+9%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
204 GB
2048 GB+904%
RAM Channels
8+33%
6
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+100%
64
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Advanced Features

Only the EPYC 7303 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-3245M supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7303) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-3245M). Primary use case: EPYC 7303 targets High-frequency Server Workloads, Xeon W-3245M targets Professional Workstation / Mac Pro. Direct competitor: EPYC 7303 rivals Xeon Gold 6334; Xeon W-3245M rivals Xeon Gold 6242.

FeatureEPYC 7303Xeon W-3245M
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V, SVM
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
High-frequency Server Workloads
Professional Workstation / Mac Pro