EPYC 7401
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
EPYC 7401 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3960X 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 Threadripper 3960X 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 Threadripper 3960X: 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
- ✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
- ✅Draws 155W instead of 280W, a 125W reduction.
- ✅45.5% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 88) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 3960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌7.2% HIGHER MSRP$1,500 MSRPvs$1,399 MSRP
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
2019Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +56.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $101 less on MSRP ($1,399 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (54,763 vs 55,280).
- ❌80.6% higher power demand at 280W vs 155W.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 3960X 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 Threadripper 3960X 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 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 Ryzen Threadripper 3960X 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 256 GB — 700% 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 | DDR4-3200+20% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+700% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| 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
At launch, the EPYC 7401 was priced at $1500, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X came in at $1399. On launch pricing ($1500 vs $1399), Ryzen Threadripper 3960X was $101 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 36.9 pts/$ vs 39.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X the 6% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper 3960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $1399-7% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.9 | 39.1+6% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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