EPYC 7401 vs Xeon w5-3535X
EPYC 7401
Xeon w5-3535X
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 Xeon w5-3535X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+276%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,699) |
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 Xeon w5-3535X
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.
Xeon w5-3535X
The Xeon w5-3535X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 55,532 points. Launch price was $1,689.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7401 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w5-3535X offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3535X — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3535X (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The EPYC 7401 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7401 scores 55,280 against the Xeon w5-3535X's 55,532 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon w5-3535X. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401 vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon w5-3535X.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+20% | 20 / 40 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+60% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.9 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+22% | 52.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 55,280 | 55,532 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 30,000 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7401 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-3535X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7401 versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3535X — the EPYC 7401 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3535X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 2048 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7401) vs 4 (Xeon w5-3535X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7401) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3535X) — the EPYC 7401 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7401) and W790 (Xeon w5-3535X).
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+53220% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 4096 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+14% | 112 |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-3535X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-3535X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon w5-3535X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114; Xeon w5-3535X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7401 launched at $1500 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-3535X debuted at $1699.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500-12% | $1699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450 | — |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2024 |
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