EPYC 7401
Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen 9 5900X 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 9 5900X 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 7401 vs Ryzen 9 5900X: 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
2017Why buy it
- ✅+41.9% higher PassMark.
- ✅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 9 5900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 36.9 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
- ❌47.6% higher power demand at 155W vs 105W.
Ryzen 9 5900X
2020Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +33.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $951 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 92.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 36.9 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 105W instead of 155W, a 50W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (38,955 vs 55,280).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7401, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than EPYC 7401?
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 7401 vs Ryzen 9 5900X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
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 7401 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 7401 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7401 scores 55,280 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 34.6% lead for the EPYC 7401. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+60% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+85% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 55,280+42% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7401 uses the TR4 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 2666 on the EPYC 7401 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the Ryzen 9 5900X 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 9 5900X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7401) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the EPYC 7401 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7401) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 7401 was priced at $1500, while the Ryzen 9 5900X came in at $549. On launch pricing ($1500 vs $549), Ryzen 9 5900X was $951 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 36.9 pts/$ vs 71.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 63.3% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $549-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.9 | 71.0+92% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2020 |
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