EPYC 7542 vs EPYC 7402
EPYC 7542
EPYC 7402
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 7402
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($899) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+151%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($899) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,285) |
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 7402
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 7402
The EPYC 7402 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 46,012 points. Launch price was $1,783.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7542 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 7402 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 versus 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7402 — a 1.5% clock advantage for the EPYC 7542 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture using a 7 nm, 14 nm process. In PassMark, the EPYC 7542 scores 45,359 against the EPYC 7402's 46,012 — a 1.4% lead for the EPYC 7402. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542 vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7402.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+1% | 3.35 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+4% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+300% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,359 | 46,012+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 28,546 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,299 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,622 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the SP3 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7542 versus DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7402 — the EPYC 7542 supports 199.5% 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. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7542) and SP3,Rome (EPYC 7402).
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+79900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 7542 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542) vs AMD-V, SEV, IOMMU (EPYC 7402). Primary use case: EPYC 7402 targets Server / Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R; EPYC 7402 rivals Xeon Gold 6242.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | AMD-V, SEV, IOMMU |
| Target Use | — | Server / Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7542 launched at $3400 MSRP, while the EPYC 7402 debuted at $1783. At current prices ($899 vs $2285), the EPYC 7542 is $1386 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7542 delivers 50.5 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 7402 — making the EPYC 7542 the 85.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | EPYC 7402 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3400 | $1783-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $899-61% | $2285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.5+151% | 20.1 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2019 |
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