EPYC 7663 vs Xeon 6740E

AMD

EPYC 7663

56 Cores112 Thrd240 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2021
EPYC family
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VS
Intel

Xeon 6740E

96 Cores96 Thrd250 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2024
Similar parts
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EPYC 7663 vs Xeon 6740E 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 7663 vs Xeon 6740E 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 Xeon 6740E: 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

  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 96 MB).
  • Draws 240W instead of 250W, a 10W reduction.
  • 60% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.9 vs 14.5 PassMark/$ ($6,366 MSRP vs $5,265 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Xeon 6740E moves to LGA4710 and DDR5.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon 6740E

2024

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,101 less on MSRP ($5,265 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
  • Delivers 12.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.5 vs 12.9 PassMark/$ ($5,265 MSRP vs $6,366 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4710 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (76,167 vs 82,120).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (96 MB vs 256 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 7663 better than Xeon 6740E?
Yes. EPYC 7663 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 7.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 7663 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
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 7.8% better PassMark, backed by 56 cores and 112 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 96 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 7663 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon 6740E is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 7663 comes in 20.9% more expensive on MSRP at $6,366 MSRP versus $5,265 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon 6740E is also 12.1% better value on MSRP (14.5 vs 12.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon 6740E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA4710 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 Xeon 6740E Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon 6740E

The Xeon 6740E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB (per module). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 76,167 points. Launch price was $5,265.

Processing Power

The EPYC 7663 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Xeon 6740E offers 96 cores / 96 threads — the Xeon 6740E has 40 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 6740E — a 9% clock advantage for the EPYC 7663 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The EPYC 7663 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Xeon 6740E uses Sierra Forest (2024) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7663 scores 82,120 against the Xeon 6740E's 76,167 — a 7.5% lead for the EPYC 7663. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663 vs 96 MB (total) on the Xeon 6740E.

FeatureEPYC 7663Xeon 6740E
Cores / Threads
56 / 112
96 / 96+71%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+167%
96 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
4 MB (per module)+700%
Process
7 nm+
Intel 3 nm-57%
Architecture
Milan (2021−2023)
Sierra Forest (2024)
PassMark
82,120+8%
76,167
Geekbench 6 Single
1,370
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,380
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7663 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon 6740E uses LGA4710 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7663 versus 6400 on the Xeon 6740E — the Xeon 6740E supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 GB of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7663) vs 80 (Xeon 6740E) — the EPYC 7663 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7663) and C741 (Xeon 6740E).

FeatureEPYC 7663Xeon 6740E
Socket
SP3
LGA4710
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
6400+100%
Max RAM Capacity
4096 GB
4096 GB
RAM Channels
8
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+60%
80
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon 6740E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 7663) vs VT-x, VT-d, TDX (Xeon 6740E). Primary use case: EPYC 7663 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Xeon 6740E rivals EPYC 9005.

FeatureEPYC 7663Xeon 6740E
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, TDX
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 7663 was priced at $6366, while the Xeon 6740E came in at $5265. On launch pricing ($6366 vs $5265), Xeon 6740E was $1101 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7663 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 14.5 pts/$ for the Xeon 6740E — making the Xeon 6740E the 11.5% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 7663Xeon 6740E
MSRP
$6366
$5265-17%
Performance per Dollar
12.9
14.5+12%
Release Date
2021
2024

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