EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
EPYC 7401
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
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 Threadripper 3960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+424%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
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 Threadripper 3960X
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 Threadripper 3960X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 54,763 points. Launch price was $1,399.
Processing Power
Both the EPYC 7401 and Ryzen Threadripper 3960X share an identical 24-core/48-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — a 40% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The EPYC 7401 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7401 scores 55,280 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X's 54,763 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7401. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401 vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.5 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.8 GHz+90% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 128 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 55,280 | 54,763 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 34,260 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,270 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the TR4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7401 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — 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 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7401) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7401) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) — the EPYC 7401 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7401) and AMD TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X).
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+66550% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 256 GB+13107100% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+45% | 88 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X). Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114; Ryzen Threadripper 3960X rivals Core i9-10900X.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7401 launched at $1500 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X debuted at $1399. At current prices ($450 vs $85), the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is $365 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 122.8 pts/$ vs 644.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X the 135.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $1399-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450 | $85-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 122.8 | 644.3+425% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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