EPYC 9124 vs Ryzen 5 3600
EPYC 9124
Ryzen 5 3600
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 9124
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+449%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 9124 and Ryzen 5 3600
EPYC 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9124 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 9124 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 9124 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9124 scores 43,638 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 84.6% lead for the EPYC 9124. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,770 vs 1,295, a 31% lead for the EPYC 9124 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,000 vs 1,898 (161.8% advantage for the EPYC 9124). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+167% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+100% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 43,638+147% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,770+37% | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,000+848% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9124 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9124 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the EPYC 9124 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9124) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9124) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the EPYC 9124 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9124) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+4700% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+500% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9124 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 9124) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Server | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9124 launched at $1083 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($1083 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $1003 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 138.3% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1083 | $199-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1083 | $80-93% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.3 | 221.1+449% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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