EPYC 7663 vs EPYC 9255

EPYC 7663 vs EPYC 9255 Performance Spectrum

EPYC 7663

56 / 112

82,120

+8.3%

Ryzen 9 5950X

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

EPYC 9255

24 / 48

75,809

0.0%

Ryzen 7 8840HX

Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Ryzen 9 7945HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5965WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

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 7663 vs EPYC 9255 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 7663 vs EPYC 9255: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7663

2021

Why buy it

✅+8.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9255 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.9 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($6,366 MSRP vs $2,495 MSRP).
❌20% higher power demand at 240W vs 200W.
❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while EPYC 9255 moves to SP5 and DDR5.

EPYC 9255

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +24.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $3,871 less on MSRP ($2,495 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
✅Delivers 135.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.4 vs 12.9 PassMark/$ ($2,495 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
✅Draws 200W instead of 240W, a 40W reduction.
✅Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (75,809 vs 82,120).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9255 better than EPYC 7663?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, EPYC 9255 is ahead with a 24.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 7663 pulls ahead with 8.3% better PassMark. EPYC 7663 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 7663 is the stronger fit. You are getting 8.3% better PassMark, backed by 56 cores and 112 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 9255 is the better buy right now. EPYC 9255 comes in $3,871 cheaper on MSRP at $2,495 MSRP versus $6,366 MSRP, and it still gives you a 24.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 7663 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 8.3% better PassMark. It is also 135.5% better value on MSRP (30.4 vs 12.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

EPYC 9255 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021), a healthier platform with SP5 and DDR5 instead of SP3, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 7663 vs EPYC 9255 Technical Specifications

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

EPYC 7663

The EPYC 7663 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 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 82,120 points. Launch price was $6,366.

EPYC 9255

The EPYC 9255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 75,809 points. Launch price was $2,495.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 7663 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the EPYC 9255 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7663 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 versus 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.25 GHz). The EPYC 7663 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the EPYC 9255 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7663 scores 82,120 against the EPYC 9255's 75,809 — a 8% lead for the EPYC 7663. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663 vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255.

Feature	EPYC 7663	EPYC 9255
Cores / Threads	56 / 112+133%	24 / 48
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.8 GHz+37%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.25 GHz+63%
L3 Cache	256 MB (total)+100%	128 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	1 MB (per core)+100%
Process	7 nm+	4 nm-43%
Architecture	Milan (2021−2023)	Turin (2024)
PassMark	82,120+8%	75,809
Geekbench 6 Single	1,370	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,380	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7663 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9255 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7663 versus 4800 on the EPYC 9255 — the EPYC 9255 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7663) vs 12 (EPYC 9255). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7663) and SP5 (EPYC 9255).

Feature	EPYC 7663	EPYC 9255
Socket	SP3	SP5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	4096 GB	6144 GB+50%
RAM Channels	8	12+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128	128

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9255 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 7663) vs VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9255). Primary use case: EPYC 7663 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+.

Feature	EPYC 7663	EPYC 9255
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP
Target Use	Server	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 7663 was priced at $6366, while the EPYC 9255 came in at $2495. On launch pricing ($6366 vs $2495), EPYC 9255 was $3871 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7663 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 30.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 9255 — making the EPYC 9255 the 80.8% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 7663	EPYC 9255
MSRP	$6366	$2495-61%
Performance per Dollar	12.9	30.4+136%
Release Date	2021	2024

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