
EPYC 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

EPYC 9124

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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 AI Max PRO 390
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($600) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+79%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($600) |
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 AI Max PRO 390

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 AI Max PRO 390
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 43,174 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9124 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 9124 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9124 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9124 scores 43,638 against the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390's 43,174 — a 1.1% lead for the EPYC 9124. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5 GHz+35% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm | 4 nm-20% |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Strix Halo (2025) |
| PassMark | 43,638+1% | 43,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,770 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9124 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9124 versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports 199.8% 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 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9124) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9124) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) — the EPYC 9124 offers 100 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9124) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390).
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | FP11 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 8000+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+5033164700% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+357% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 9124) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon 8050S), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y; Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | AMD Radeon 8050S |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9124 launched at $1083 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 debuted at $600. At current prices ($1083 vs $600), the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is $483 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — making the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 the 56.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1083 | $600-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1083 | $600-45% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.3 | 72.0+79% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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