CPU
GPU
EPYC 7401
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
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 PRO 9945WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+190%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) |
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 PRO 9945WX
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 PRO 9945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7401 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — a 57.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 2 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The EPYC 7401 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7401 scores 55,280 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX's 56,854 — a 2.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 5.4 GHz+80% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 4.7 GHz+135% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 55,280 | 56,854+3% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7401 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7401 versus 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 82.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 2048 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7401) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX).
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666 | 6400+140% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 2048 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7401 launched at $1500 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX debuted at $1340. At current prices ($450 vs $1340), the EPYC 7401 is $890 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 122.8 pts/$ vs 42.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — making the EPYC 7401 the 97.3% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $1340-11% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450-66% | $1340 |
| Performance per Dollar | 122.8+190% | 42.4 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2025 |
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