EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 7401
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 7401
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ 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 7401 and Ryzen 9 5900X
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 EPYC 7401 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7401 supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% 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+66550% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 128 GB+6553500% |
| 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. 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
The EPYC 7401 launched at $1500 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($450 vs $350), the Ryzen 9 5900X is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 122.8 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the EPYC 7401 the 9.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $549-63% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450 | $350-22% |
| Performance per Dollar | 122.8+10% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2020 |
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