EPYC 7551 vs Xeon E7-8880 v2

AMD

EPYC 7551

32 Cores64 Thrd180 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
VS
Intel

Xeon E7-8880 v2

15 Cores30 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2014

EPYC 7551 vs Xeon E7-8880 v2 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 7551 vs Xeon E7-8880 v2 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 7551 vs Xeon E7-8880 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

EPYC 7551

2017

Why buy it

  • βœ…+70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (25,844 vs 25,966).
  • ❌38.5% higher power demand at 180W vs 130W.

Xeon E7-8880 v2

2014

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 130W instead of 180W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (38 MB vs 64 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E7-8880 v2 better than EPYC 7551?
Yes. Xeon E7-8880 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E7-8880 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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, Xeon E7-8880 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 15 cores and 30 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E7-8880 v2 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E7-8880 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 7551 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) and 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

EPYC 7551 vs Xeon E7-8880 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 7551

The EPYC 7551 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017βˆ’2018) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 25,844 points. Launch price was $3,400.

Intel

Xeon E7-8880 v2

The Xeon E7-8880 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 25,966 points. Launch price was $800.

⚑

Processing Power

The EPYC 7551 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon E7-8880 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads β€” the EPYC 7551 has 17 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7551 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E7-8880 v2 β€” a 3.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E7-8880 v2 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The EPYC 7551 is built on the Naples (2017βˆ’2018) architecture. In PassMark, the EPYC 7551 scores 25,844 against the Xeon E7-8880 v2's 25,966 β€” a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E7-8880 v2. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7551 vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-8880 v2.

FeatureEPYC 7551Xeon E7-8880 v2
Cores / Threads
32 / 64+113%
15 / 30
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3.1 GHz+3%
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.5 GHz+25%
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+71%
37.5 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
β€”
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Naples (2017βˆ’2018)
β€”
PassMark
25,844
25,966
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7551 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E7-8880 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureEPYC 7551Xeon E7-8880 v2
Socket
TR4
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0