EPYC 7303 vs Xeon w3-2525
EPYC 7303
Xeon w3-2525
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 Xeon w3-2525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7303 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7303 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 7303 and Xeon w3-2525
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.
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7303 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w3-2525 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the EPYC 7303 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7303 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 — a 27.8% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2525 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The EPYC 7303 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7303 scores 28,572 against the Xeon w3-2525's 28,641 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon w3-2525. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,960 vs 2,000, a 2% lead for the Xeon w3-2525 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,000 vs 15,000 (30.8% advantage for the Xeon w3-2525). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7303 vs 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525.
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+100% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+46% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+184% | 22.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 28,572 | 28,641 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,960 | 2,000+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,000 | 15,000+36% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7303 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7303 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2525 — the Xeon w3-2525 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 2 TB — 196.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7303) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2525). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7303) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2525) — the EPYC 7303 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 platform (EPYC 7303) and W790 (Xeon w3-2525).
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 204 GB | 2 TB+904% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+100% | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the EPYC 7303 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w3-2525 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7303) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w3-2525). Primary use case: EPYC 7303 targets High-frequency Server Workloads, Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7303 rivals Xeon Gold 6334; Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | EPYC 7303 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SVM | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High-frequency Server Workloads | Workstation |
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