EPYC 7601 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 5945

AMD

EPYC 7601

32 Cores64 Thrd180 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2017
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 PRO 5945

12 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2022
Similar parts
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EPYC 7601 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 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 7601 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 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 7601 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 5945: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7601

2017

Why buy it

  • +1.5% higher PassMark.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 176.9% higher power demand at 180W vs 65W.

Ryzen 9 PRO 5945

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 65W instead of 180W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (34,549 vs 35,059).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7601, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 better than EPYC 7601?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7601 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 7601 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

EPYC 7601 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 7601

The EPYC 7601 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 35,059 points. Launch price was $4,200.

AMD

Ryzen 9 PRO 5945

The Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 34,549 points. Launch price was $499.

Processing Power

The EPYC 7601 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7601 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7601 versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 — a 38% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The EPYC 7601 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7601 scores 35,059 against the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945's 34,549 — a 1.5% lead for the EPYC 7601. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7601 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945.

FeatureEPYC 7601Ryzen 9 PRO 5945
Cores / Threads
32 / 64+167%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
4.7 GHz+47%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3 GHz+36%
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)
64 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
512 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
7 nm-50%
Architecture
Naples (2017−2018)
Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark
35,059+1%
34,549
Cinebench R23 Multi
23,200
Geekbench 6 Single
2,175
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,500
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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7601 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7601 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 — the Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7601 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7601) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 PRO 5945). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7601) vs 20 (Ryzen 9 PRO 5945) — the EPYC 7601 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7601) and X570,B550,A520,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 PRO 5945).

FeatureEPYC 7601Ryzen 9 PRO 5945
Socket
TR4
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
2666
DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity
2048 GB+1500%
128 GB
RAM Channels
8+300%
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+540%
20
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7601) vs AMD-V (SVM) (Ryzen 9 PRO 5945). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 targets High-end Gaming. Direct competitor: EPYC 7601 rivals Xeon Platinum 8180; Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 rivals Core i9-12900.

FeatureEPYC 7601Ryzen 9 PRO 5945
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V, SVM
AMD-V (SVM)
Target Use
High-end Gaming