EPYC 7473X vs Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 7473X
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 7473X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan-X (2022) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+166%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 7473X and Ryzen 9 5900X
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.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7473X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7473X has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7473X versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 25.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 7473X uses the Milan-X (2022) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7473X scores 59,280 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 41.4% lead for the EPYC 7473X. L3 cache: 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 7473X vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.8 GHz+30% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.7 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 768 MB (total)+1100% | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Milan-X (2022) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 59,280+52% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7473X uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7473X versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the EPYC 7473X supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7473X supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7473X) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7473X) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the EPYC 7473X offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7473X) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+79900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 128 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7473X) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7473X rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7473X launched at $3900 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($200 vs $350), the EPYC 7473X is $150 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7473X delivers 296.4 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the EPYC 7473X the 90.8% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3900 | $549-86% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-43% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 296.4+166% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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