EPYC 7552 vs Xeon Gold 5420+
EPYC 7552
Xeon Gold 5420+
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 7552
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5420+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,650) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,848) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,650) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,848) |
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 7552 and Xeon Gold 5420+
EPYC 7552
The EPYC 7552 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 192 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 57,414 points. Launch price was $4,025.
Xeon Gold 5420+
The Xeon Gold 5420+ 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 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,209 points. Launch price was $1,848.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7552 packs 48 cores / 96 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5420+ offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the EPYC 7552 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7552 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5420+ — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 5420+ (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 7552 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5420+ uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7552 scores 57,414 against the Xeon Gold 5420+'s 58,209 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 5420+. L3 cache: 192 MB (total) on the EPYC 7552 vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 5420+.
| Feature | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 48 / 96+71% | 28 / 56 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.1 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz+10% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 192 MB (total)+266% | 52.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 57,414 | 58,209+1% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7552 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 5420+ uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7552 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 5420+ — the Xeon Gold 5420+ 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 7552) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 5420+) — the EPYC 7552 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7552) and C741 (Xeon Gold 5420+).
| Feature | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| 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 5420+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 7552 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362; Xeon Gold 5420+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 7552 launched at $4025 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5420+ debuted at $1848. At current prices ($1650 vs $1848), the EPYC 7552 is $198 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7552 delivers 34.8 pts/$ vs 31.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5420+ — making the EPYC 7552 the 9.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7552 | Xeon Gold 5420+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4025 | $1848-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1650-11% | $1848 |
| Performance per Dollar | 34.8+10% | 31.5 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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