EPYC 7401
Xeon w5-3535X
EPYC 7401 vs Xeon w5-3535X 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 Xeon w5-3535X 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 Xeon w5-3535X: 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
- ✅+21.9% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 53 MB).
- ✅Costs $199 less on MSRP ($1,500 MSRP vs $1,699 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 12.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.9 vs 32.7 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $1,699 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 155W instead of 300W, a 145W reduction.
- ✅14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-3535X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (55,280 vs 55,532).
- ❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-3535X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.
Xeon w5-3535X
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +21.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
- ✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (53 MB vs 64 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.7 vs 36.9 PassMark/$ ($1,699 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
- ❌93.5% higher power demand at 300W vs 155W.
Quick Answers
So, is Xeon w5-3535X better than EPYC 7401?
Which one is better for gaming?
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 Xeon w5-3535X 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.
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)+25500% | 2 MB (per core) |
| 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 Xeon w5-3535X supports 80% 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 GB — 100% 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 | DDR5-4800+80% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB | 4096 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| 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
At launch, the EPYC 7401 was priced at $1500, while the Xeon w5-3535X came in at $1699. On launch pricing ($1500 vs $1699), EPYC 7401 was $199 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7401 delivers 36.9 pts/$ vs 32.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3535X — making the EPYC 7401 the 12% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7401 | Xeon w5-3535X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500-12% | $1699 |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.9+13% | 32.7 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2024 |
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