EPYC 73F3 vs Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 73F3
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 73F3
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,100) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+407%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,100) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 73F3 and Ryzen 9 5900X
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.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The EPYC 73F3 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 73F3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the EPYC 73F3 versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 73F3 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 73F3 scores 46,103 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 16.8% lead for the EPYC 73F3. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 73F3 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.8 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+300% | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm+ | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 46,103+18% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 73F3 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 73F3 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the EPYC 73F3 supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 73F3 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 73F3) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 73F3) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the EPYC 73F3 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3,C621A (EPYC 73F3) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+79900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 128 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 73F3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 73F3) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 73F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 73F3 launched at $3521 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($2100 vs $350), the Ryzen 9 5900X is $1750 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 73F3 delivers 22.0 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 134.1% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 73F3 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3521 | $549-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2100 | $350-83% |
| Performance per Dollar | 22.0 | 111.3+406% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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