EPYC 7663 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
EPYC 7663
Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
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 Threadripper 7960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) | ✅ More affordable ($1,400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) | ✨ Modern (Storm Peak (2023) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+363%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) | ✅ More affordable ($1,400) |
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 Threadripper 7960X
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 Threadripper 7960X
The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 83,554 points. Launch price was $1,499.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7663 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7663 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — a 40.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X (base: 2 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The EPYC 7663 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses Storm Peak (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7663 scores 82,120 against the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X's 83,554 — a 1.7% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,370 vs 2,780, a 68% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,380 vs 24,000 (63.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 56 / 112+133% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 5.3 GHz+51% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 4.2 GHz+110% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+100% | 128 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm+ | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Storm Peak (2023) |
| PassMark | 82,120 | 83,554+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 65,824 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,370 | 2,780+103% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,380 | 24,000+94% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7663 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7663 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7663 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 1024 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7663) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7663) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X) — the EPYC 7663 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7663) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X).
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+300% | 1024 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+45% | 88 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 7663) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). Primary use case: EPYC 7663 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Ryzen Threadripper 7960X rivals Xeon w7-3445.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7663 launched at $6366 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X debuted at $1499. At current prices ($6366 vs $1400), the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is $4966 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7663 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 59.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X the 128.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7663 | Ryzen Threadripper 7960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6366 | $1499-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $6366 | $1400-78% |
| Performance per Dollar | 12.9 | 59.7+363% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2023 |
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