EPYC 8124P vs Xeon Platinum 8280
EPYC 8124P
Xeon Platinum 8280
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 8124P
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Platinum 8280
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($639) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Siena (2023−2024) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-SP (2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+351%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($639) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
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 8124P and Xeon Platinum 8280
EPYC 8124P
The EPYC 8124P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.45 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,079 points. Launch price was $639.
Xeon Platinum 8280
The Xeon Platinum 8280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,830 points. Launch price was $10,009.
Processing Power
The EPYC 8124P packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8280 offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8280 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 8124P versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon Platinum 8280 (base: 2.45 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The EPYC 8124P uses the Siena (2023−2024) architecture (5 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 uses Cascade Lake-SP (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 8124P scores 36,079 against the Xeon Platinum 8280's 36,830 — a 2.1% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8280. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 8124P vs 38.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 28 / 56+75% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.45 GHz | 2.7 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+66% | 38.5 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-64% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Siena (2023−2024) | Cascade Lake-SP (2018) |
| PassMark | 36,079 | 36,830+2% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 8124P uses the SP6 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 8124P versus 2933 on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — the EPYC 8124P supports 48.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 8124P supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 1536 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 6-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 96 (EPYC 8124P) vs 48 (Xeon Platinum 8280) — the EPYC 8124P offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP6 (EPYC 8124P) and LGA3647 (Xeon Platinum 8280).
| Feature | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP6 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+64% | 2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048+33% | 1536 |
| RAM Channels | 6 | 6 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 96+100% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, IOMMU (EPYC 8124P) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8280). Direct competitor: EPYC 8124P rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y; Xeon Platinum 8280 rivals EPYC 7702.
| Feature | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, IOMMU | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 8124P launched at $639 MSRP, while the Xeon Platinum 8280 debuted at $10009. At current prices ($639 vs $2940), the EPYC 8124P is $2301 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 8124P delivers 56.5 pts/$ vs 12.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Platinum 8280 — making the EPYC 8124P the 127.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 8124P | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $639-94% | $10009 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $639-78% | $2940 |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.5+352% | 12.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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