EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen 7 3700X

AMD

EPYC 7401

24 Cores48 Thrd155 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 7401 vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 7401 vs Ryzen 7 3700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7401

2017

Why buy it

  • +146.5% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 36.9 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 138.5% higher power demand at 155W vs 65W.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +20.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,171 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
  • Delivers 85.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 36.9 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 155W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 55,280).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7401, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than EPYC 7401?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7401 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 7401 is the stronger fit. You are getting 146.5% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $1,171 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $1,500 MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 7401 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 146.5% better PassMark. It is also 85.0% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 36.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen 7 3700X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 7401

The EPYC 7401 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 55,280 points. Launch price was $1,850.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The EPYC 7401 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 37.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 7401 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7401 scores 55,280 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 84.5% lead for the EPYC 7401. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureEPYC 7401Ryzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
24 / 48+200%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
3 GHz
4.4 GHz+47%
Base Clock
2 GHz
3.6 GHz+80%
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+100%
32 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Naples (2017−2018)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
55,280+146%
22,430
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7401 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7401 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7401 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7401) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7401) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the EPYC 7401 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7401) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).

FeatureEPYC 7401Ryzen 7 3700X
Socket
TR4
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
2666
DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB+1500%
128 GB
RAM Channels
8+300%
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+433%
24
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.

FeatureEPYC 7401Ryzen 7 3700X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 7401 was priced at $1500, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($1500 vs $329), Ryzen 7 3700X was $1171 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 36.9 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 59.6% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 7401Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$1500
$329-78%
Performance per Dollar
36.9
68.2+85%
Release Date
2017
2019

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