EPYC 74F3 vs EPYC 7642

AMD

EPYC 74F3

24 Cores48 Thrd240 WWMax: 4 GHz2021
EPYC family
·······
VS
AMD

EPYC 7642

48 Cores96 Thrd225 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2019
EPYC family
·······

EPYC 74F3 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 74F3 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.

EPYC 74F3 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 74F3

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $3,862 less on MSRP ($913 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
  • Delivers 434.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 66.4 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($913 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

EPYC 7642

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 225W instead of 240W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (59,333 vs 60,666).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 66.4 PassMark/$ ($4,775 MSRP vs $913 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 74F3 better than EPYC 7642?
Yes. EPYC 74F3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 74F3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 74F3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 74F3 is the better buy right now. EPYC 74F3 comes in $3,862 cheaper on MSRP at $913 MSRP versus $4,775 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 434.8% better value on MSRP (66.4 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 74F3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 48/96. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 74F3 vs EPYC 7642 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

EPYC 74F3

The EPYC 74F3 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,666 points. Launch price was $2,900.

AMD

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 74F3 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the EPYC 74F3 versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 16.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 74F3 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The EPYC 74F3 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 74F3 scores 60,666 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 2.2% lead for the EPYC 74F3. Both processors carry 256 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureEPYC 74F3EPYC 7642
Cores / Threads
24 / 48
48 / 96+100%
Boost Clock
4 GHz+18%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+17%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)
256 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
7 nm+
7 nm, 14 nm
Architecture
Milan (2021−2023)
Zen 2 (2017−2020)
PassMark
60,666+2%
59,333
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 74F3 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 74F3) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).

FeatureEPYC 74F3EPYC 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 74F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.

FeatureEPYC 74F3EPYC 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 74F3 was priced at $913, while the EPYC 7642 came in at $4775. On launch pricing ($913 vs $4775), EPYC 74F3 was $3862 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 74F3 delivers 66.4 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 7642 — making the EPYC 74F3 the 137% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 74F3EPYC 7642
MSRP
$913-81%
$4775
Performance per Dollar
66.4+435%
12.4
Release Date
2021
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.