CPU
GPU
EPYC 7542
EPYC 73F3
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 7542
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 73F3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($899) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+130%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($899) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,100) |
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 7542 and EPYC 73F3
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
EPYC 73F3
The EPYC 73F3 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 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: 46,103 points. Launch price was $3,521.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7542 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 73F3 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 versus 4 GHz on the EPYC 73F3 — a 16.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 73F3 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The EPYC 7542 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the EPYC 73F3 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm+). In PassMark, the EPYC 7542 scores 45,359 against the EPYC 73F3's 46,103 — a 1.6% lead for the EPYC 73F3. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542 vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 73F3.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.5 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | 7 nm+ |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Milan (2021−2023) |
| PassMark | 45,359 | 46,103+2% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the SP3 socket with PCIe 4.0. 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 7542) and SP3,C621A (EPYC 73F3).
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 73F3). Direct competitor: EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R; EPYC 73F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7542 launched at $3400 MSRP, while the EPYC 73F3 debuted at $3521. At current prices ($899 vs $2100), the EPYC 7542 is $1201 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7542 delivers 50.5 pts/$ vs 22.0 pts/$ for the EPYC 73F3 — making the EPYC 7542 the 78.7% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 73F3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3400-3% | $3521 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $899-57% | $2100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.5+130% | 22.0 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2021 |
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