EPYC 9115 vs Xeon E7-4880 v2

AMD

EPYC 9115

16 Cores32 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2024
EPYC family
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon E7-4880 v2

15 Cores30 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······

EPYC 9115 vs Xeon E7-4880 v2 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 9115 vs Xeon E7-4880 v2 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 9115 vs Xeon E7-4880 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9115

2024

Why buy it

  • +70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).
  • Costs $5,893 less on MSRP ($726 MSRP vs $6,619 MSRP).
  • Delivers 810.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 66.6 vs 7.3 PassMark/$ ($726 MSRP vs $6,619 MSRP).
  • Draws 125W instead of 130W, a 5W reduction.
  • Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (48,343 vs 48,435).

Xeon E7-4880 v2

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (38 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.3 vs 66.6 PassMark/$ ($6,619 MSRP vs $726 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA2011, while EPYC 9115 moves to SP5 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9115 better than Xeon E7-4880 v2?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, EPYC 9115 is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7-4880 v2 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. EPYC 9115 also has the bigger cache pool with 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7-4880 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 15 cores and 30 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 9115 is the better buy right now. EPYC 9115 comes in $5,893 cheaper on MSRP at $726 MSRP versus $6,619 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E7-4880 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 810.0% better value on MSRP (66.6 vs 7.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9115 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2014), a healthier platform with SP5 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011, 70.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 38 MB), and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9115 vs Xeon E7-4880 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9115

The EPYC 9115 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 48,343 points. Launch price was $726.

Intel

Xeon E7-4880 v2

The Xeon E7-4880 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 48,435 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9115 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads — the EPYC 9115 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the EPYC 9115 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — a 27.8% clock advantage for the EPYC 9115 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The EPYC 9115 is built on the Turin (2024) architecture. In PassMark, the EPYC 9115 scores 48,343 against the Xeon E7-4880 v2's 48,435 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E7-4880 v2. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9115 vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4880 v2.

FeatureEPYC 9115Xeon E7-4880 v2
Cores / Threads
16 / 32+7%
15 / 30
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+32%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+4%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+71%
37.5 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
Process
4 nm-82%
22 nm
Architecture
Turin (2024)
PassMark
48,343
48,435
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9115 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9115 versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — the EPYC 9115 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9115 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 1536 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9115) vs 4 (Xeon E7-4880 v2). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9115) vs 40 (Xeon E7-4880 v2) — the EPYC 9115 offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9115) and C602-J (Xeon E7-4880 v2).

FeatureEPYC 9115Xeon E7-4880 v2
Socket
SP5
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
4800+200%
1600
Max RAM Capacity
6144+300%
1536
RAM Channels
12+200%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+220%
40
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9115 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 9115) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E7-4880 v2). Direct competitor: EPYC 9115 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468X; Xeon E7-4880 v2 rivals AMD Opteron 6380.

FeatureEPYC 9115Xeon E7-4880 v2
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9115 was priced at $726, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 came in at $6619. On launch pricing ($726 vs $6619), EPYC 9115 was $5893 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9115 delivers 66.6 pts/$ vs 7.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — making the EPYC 9115 the 160.4% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9115Xeon E7-4880 v2
MSRP
$726-89%
$6619
Performance per Dollar
66.6+812%
7.3
Release Date
2024
2014

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.