EPYC 7663 vs Ryzen 5 5600X

CPU

GPU

EPYC 7663

56 Cores112 Thrd240 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2021

EPYC family

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Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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EPYC 7663 vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

EPYC 7663

56 / 112

82,120

+275.9%

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

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 / 12

21,845

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 Ryzen 5 5600X 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 Ryzen 5 5600X: 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

✅Massive L3 cache advantage with 256 MB vs 32 MB, which is a real win in CPU-limited gaming.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 56 cores / 112 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.9 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($6,366 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌269.2% higher power demand at 240W vs 65W.

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $6,067 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
✅Delivers 466.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 12.9 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 240W, a 175W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No 3D V-Cache or similar L3 advantage, which matters in CPU-limited gaming (32 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Lower PassMark (21,845 vs 82,120).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7663, which brings 56 cores / 112 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 7663 better than Ryzen 5 5600X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7663 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 5600X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, EPYC 7663 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 256 MB versus 32 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 275.9% better PassMark, backed by 56 cores and 112 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 32 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

EPYC 7663 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 5600X is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 7663 comes in 2029.1% more expensive on MSRP at $6,366 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 5600X is also 466.4% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 12.9 PassMark/$), 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 7663 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 32 MB, and more multi-core headroom with 56 cores / 112 threads instead of 6/12. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 7663 vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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.

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The EPYC 7663 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 7663 has 50 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 27.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 7663 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7663 scores 82,120 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 116% lead for the EPYC 7663. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	EPYC 7663	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	56 / 112+833%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.6 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.7 GHz+85%
L3 Cache	256 MB (total)+700%	32 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	512K (per core)
Process	7 nm+	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Milan (2021−2023)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	82,120+276%	21,845
Geekbench 6 Single	1,370	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,380	—

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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7663 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X 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 — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7663) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7663) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the EPYC 7663 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7663) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

Feature	EPYC 7663	Ryzen 5 5600X
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	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128+433%	24

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: EPYC 7663 targets Server, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.

Feature	EPYC 7663	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Server	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 7663 was priced at $6366, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($6366 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $6067 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7663 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 140% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 7663	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$6366	$299-95%
Performance per Dollar	12.9	73.1+467%
Release Date	2021	2020

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