EPYC 75F3 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

AMD

EPYC 75F3

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 4 GHz2021
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2019
Threadripper family
·

EPYC 75F3 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 75F3 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 75F3 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 75F3

2021

Why buy it

  • +2.5% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.0 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($5,383 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +47.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $892 less on MSRP ($4,491 MSRP vs $5,383 MSRP).
  • Delivers 17.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.0 vs 12.0 PassMark/$ ($4,491 MSRP vs $5,383 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (62,946 vs 64,505).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 75F3 better than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is ahead with a 47.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 75F3 pulls ahead with 2.5% better PassMark. EPYC 75F3 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 75F3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 75F3 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 75F3 comes in 19.9% more expensive on MSRP at $5,383 MSRP versus $4,491 MSRP, and it still gives you 2.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 47.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is also 17.0% better value on MSRP (14.0 vs 12.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 75F3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019), 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 32 cores / 64 threads instead of 32/64. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 75F3 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 75F3

The EPYC 75F3 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.95 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): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 64,505 points. Launch price was $4,860.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.

Processing Power

Both the EPYC 75F3 and Ryzen Threadripper 3970X share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the EPYC 75F3 versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 2.95 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 75F3 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 75F3 scores 64,505 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 62,946 — a 2.4% lead for the EPYC 75F3. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 75F3 vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.

FeatureEPYC 75F3Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Cores / Threads
32 / 64
32 / 64
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.5 GHz+13%
Base Clock
2.95 GHz
3.7 GHz+25%
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+100%
128 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
7 nm+
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Milan (2021−2023)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
64,505+2%
62,946
Cinebench R23 Multi
44,510
Geekbench 6 Single
1,664
Geekbench 6 Multi
13,739
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 75F3 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 3200 memory speed. The EPYC 75F3 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 75F3) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 75F3) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) — the EPYC 75F3 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 75F3) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X).

FeatureEPYC 75F3Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Socket
SP3
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
3200
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
4096 GB+1500%
256 GB
RAM Channels
8+100%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+100%
64
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 75F3) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Direct competitor: EPYC 75F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE.

FeatureEPYC 75F3Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 75F3 was priced at $5383, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X came in at $4491. On launch pricing ($5383 vs $4491), Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was $892 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 75F3 delivers 12.0 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X the 15.6% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 75F3Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
MSRP
$5383
$4491-17%
Performance per Dollar
12.0
14.0+17%
Release Date
2021
2019

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