EPYC 7473X
EPYC 7642
EPYC 7473X vs EPYC 7642 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 7473X vs EPYC 7642 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 7473X vs EPYC 7642: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
EPYC 7473X
2022Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +8.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+200% larger total L3 cache (768 MB vs 256 MB).
- ✅Costs $875 less on MSRP ($3,900 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 22.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.2 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($3,900 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (59,280 vs 59,333).
EPYC 7642
2019Why buy it
- ✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
- ✅Draws 225W instead of 240W, a 15W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 7473X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 768 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($4,775 MSRP vs $3,900 MSRP).
Quick Answers
So, is EPYC 7473X better than EPYC 7642?
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 7473X vs EPYC 7642 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
EPYC 7473X
The EPYC 7473X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2022-03-01. It is based on the Milan-X (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 768 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 59,280 points. Launch price was $3,900.
EPYC 7642
The EPYC 7642 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 59,333 points. Launch price was $4,775.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7473X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7473X versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the EPYC 7473X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The EPYC 7473X uses the Milan-X (2022) architecture (7 nm), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7473X scores 59,280 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 0.1% lead for the EPYC 7642. L3 cache: 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 7473X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7642.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+9% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+17% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 768 MB (total)+200% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Milan-X (2022) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 59,280 | 59,333 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7473X uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7642 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 3200 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7473X) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 7473X rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 7473X was priced at $3900, while the EPYC 7642 came in at $4775. On launch pricing ($3900 vs $4775), EPYC 7473X was $875 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7473X delivers 15.2 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 7642 — making the EPYC 7473X the 20.1% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3900-18% | $4775 |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.2+23% | 12.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 7473X and EPYC 7642
