EPYC 73F3
EPYC 7542
EPYC 73F3 vs EPYC 7542 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 73F3 vs EPYC 7542 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
EPYC 73F3 vs EPYC 7542: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
EPYC 73F3
2021Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Trade-offs
- ❌3.6% HIGHER MSRP$3,521 MSRPvs$3,400 MSRP
EPYC 7542
2019Why buy it
- ✅Costs $121 less on MSRP ($3,400 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 225W instead of 240W, a 15W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 73F3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (45,359 vs 46,103).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).
Quick Answers
So, is EPYC 73F3 better than EPYC 7542?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 73F3 vs EPYC 7542 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
EPYC 73F3
The EPYC 73F3 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 46,103 points. Launch price was $3,521.
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The EPYC 73F3 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7542 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the EPYC 73F3 versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 16.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 73F3 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The EPYC 73F3 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 73F3 scores 46,103 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 1.6% lead for the EPYC 73F3. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 73F3 vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+18% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+21% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+100% | 128 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm+ | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 46,103+2% | 45,359 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the SP3 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to 3200 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3,C621A (EPYC 73F3) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 73F3) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542). Direct competitor: EPYC 73F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 73F3 was priced at $3521, while the EPYC 7542 came in at $3400. On launch pricing ($3521 vs $3400), EPYC 7542 was $121 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 73F3 delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 13.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7542 — making the EPYC 7542 the 1.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3521 | $3400-3% |
| Performance per Dollar | 13.1 | 13.3+2% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2019 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 73F3 and EPYC 7542
