EPYC 7742 vs EPYC 9384X
EPYC 7742
EPYC 9384X
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 7742
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9384X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($800) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,157) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa-X (2023) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+400%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($800) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,157) |
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 7742 and EPYC 9384X
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.
EPYC 9384X
The EPYC 9384X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 June 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Genoa-X (2023) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 768 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 72,121 points. Launch price was $5,529.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7742 packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the EPYC 9384X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7742 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7742 versus 3.9 GHz on the EPYC 9384X — a 13.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9384X (base: 2.25 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The EPYC 7742 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the EPYC 9384X uses Genoa-X (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7742 scores 69,448 against the EPYC 9384X's 72,121 — a 3.8% lead for the EPYC 9384X. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7742 vs 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 9384X.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+100% | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.9 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.25 GHz | 3.1 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total) | 768 MB (total)+200% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Genoa-X (2023) |
| PassMark | 69,448 | 72,121+4% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7742 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9384X uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7742 versus 4800 on the EPYC 9384X — the EPYC 9384X supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9384X supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7742) vs 12 (EPYC 9384X). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7742) and SP5 (EPYC 9384X).
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 4800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144+50% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9384X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7742) vs VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9384X). Direct competitor: EPYC 7742 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280; EPYC 9384X rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7742 launched at $6950 MSRP, while the EPYC 9384X debuted at $5529. At current prices ($800 vs $4157), the EPYC 7742 is $3357 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7742 delivers 86.8 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9384X — making the EPYC 7742 the 133.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | EPYC 9384X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6950 | $5529-20% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $800-81% | $4157 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.8+402% | 17.3 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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