EPYC 7663 vs Ryzen 5 3600
EPYC 7663
Ryzen 5 3600
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 7663
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1614%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 7663 and Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7663 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 7663 has 50 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 7663 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7663 scores 82,120 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 129.1% lead for the EPYC 7663. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,370 vs 1,295, a 5.6% lead for the EPYC 7663 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,380 vs 1,898 (146.8% advantage for the EPYC 7663). L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 56 / 112+833% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+80% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+700% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm+ | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 82,120+364% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,370+6% | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,380+552% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7663 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The EPYC 7663 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7663) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7663) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the EPYC 7663 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7663) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+3100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 7663) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: EPYC 7663 targets Server, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Server | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7663 launched at $6366 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($6366 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $6286 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7663 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 177.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6366 | $199-97% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $6366 | $80-99% |
| Performance per Dollar | 12.9 | 221.1+1614% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2019 |
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