EPYC 7702 vs EPYC 7742

AMD

EPYC 7702

64 Cores128 Thrd200 WWMax: 3.35 GHz2019
EPYC family
·······
VS
AMD

EPYC 7742

64 Cores128 Thrd225 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2019
EPYC family
·······

EPYC 7702 vs EPYC 7742 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 7702 vs EPYC 7742 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 7702 vs EPYC 7742: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 7702

2019

Why buy it

  • Costs $500 less on MSRP ($6,450 MSRP vs $6,950 MSRP).
  • Draws 200W instead of 225W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (69,060 vs 69,448).

EPYC 7742

2019

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • 7.8% HIGHER MSRP
      $6,950 MSRPvs$6,450 MSRP

    Quick Answers

    So, is EPYC 7742 better than EPYC 7702?
    Yes. EPYC 7742 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, EPYC 7742 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 7742 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    EPYC 7742 is still the faster CPU overall, but EPYC 7702 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 7742 comes in 7.8% more expensive on MSRP at $6,950 MSRP versus $6,450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. EPYC 7702 is also 7.1% better value on MSRP (10.7 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), 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 7742 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 64/128. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

    EPYC 7702 vs EPYC 7742 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    EPYC 7702

    The EPYC 7702 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,060 points. Launch price was $6,450.

    AMD

    EPYC 7742

    The EPYC 7742 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,448 points. Launch price was $6,950.

    Processing Power

    Both the EPYC 7702 and EPYC 7742 share an identical 64-core/128-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7702 versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7742 — a 1.5% clock advantage for the EPYC 7742 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.25 GHz). Both are built on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture using a 7 nm, 14 nm process. In PassMark, the EPYC 7702 scores 69,060 against the EPYC 7742's 69,448 — a 0.6% lead for the EPYC 7742. Both processors carry 256 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureEPYC 7702EPYC 7742
    Cores / Threads
    64 / 128
    64 / 128
    Boost Clock
    3.35 GHz
    3.4 GHz+1%
    Base Clock
    2 GHz
    2.25 GHz+13%
    L3 Cache
    256 MB (total)
    256 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    512K (per core)
    Process
    7 nm, 14 nm
    7 nm, 14 nm
    Architecture
    Zen 2 (2017−2020)
    Zen 2 (2017−2020)
    PassMark
    69,060
    69,448
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    Both processors use the TR4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to 3200 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7702) and SP3 (EPYC 7742).

    FeatureEPYC 7702EPYC 7742
    Socket
    TR4
    TR4
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 4.0
    PCIe 4.0
    Max RAM Speed
    3200
    3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    4096
    4096
    RAM Channels
    8
    8
    ECC Support
    Yes
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    128
    128
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 7702 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280; EPYC 7742 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280.

    FeatureEPYC 7702EPYC 7742
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    IGPU Model
    None
    None
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    VT-x, VT-d
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the EPYC 7702 was priced at $6450, while the EPYC 7742 came in at $6950. On launch pricing ($6450 vs $6950), EPYC 7702 was $500 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7702 delivers 10.7 pts/$ vs 10.0 pts/$ for the EPYC 7742 — making the EPYC 7702 the 6.9% better value option.

    FeatureEPYC 7702EPYC 7742
    MSRP
    $6450-7%
    $6950
    Performance per Dollar
    10.7+7%
    10.0
    Release Date
    2019
    2019

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.