EPYC 7473X vs Xeon Gold 6421N
EPYC 7473X
Xeon Gold 6421N
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 Xeon Gold 6421N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan-X (2022) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1123%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
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 Xeon Gold 6421N
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.
Xeon Gold 6421N
The Xeon Gold 6421N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,797 points. Launch price was $2,368.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7473X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6421N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6421N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7473X versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N — a 2.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 7473X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The EPYC 7473X uses the Milan-X (2022) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6421N uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7473X scores 59,280 against the Xeon Gold 6421N's 58,797 — a 0.8% lead for the EPYC 7473X. L3 cache: 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 7473X vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+3% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+56% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 768 MB (total)+1180% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Milan-X (2022) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 59,280 | 58,797 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7473X uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6421N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7473X versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6421N — the Xeon Gold 6421N supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7473X) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6421N) — the EPYC 7473X offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7473X) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N).
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 4800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6421N supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 7473X rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Xeon Gold 6421N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7473X launched at $3900 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6421N debuted at $2368. At current prices ($200 vs $2427), the EPYC 7473X is $2227 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7473X delivers 296.4 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6421N — making the EPYC 7473X the 169.8% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7473X | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3900 | $2368-39% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-92% | $2427 |
| Performance per Dollar | 296.4+1125% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
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