EPYC 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

AMD

EPYC 9124

16 Cores32 Thrd200 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2022
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

12 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2025
Similar parts
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EPYC 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 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 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 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 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9124

2022

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 28.
  • 357.1% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 40.3 vs 72.0 PassMark/$ ($1,083 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).
  • 263.6% higher power demand at 200W vs 55W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +17.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $483 less on MSRP ($600 MSRP vs $1,083 MSRP).
  • Delivers 78.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 72.0 vs 40.3 PassMark/$ ($600 MSRP vs $1,083 MSRP).
  • Draws 55W instead of 200W, a 145W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon 8050S, while EPYC 9124 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (43,174 vs 43,638).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9124, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 better than EPYC 9124?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 9124 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9124 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is the better buy right now. Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 comes in $483 cheaper on MSRP at $600 MSRP versus $1,083 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 9124 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 78.6% better value on MSRP (72.0 vs 40.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9124 vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

AMD

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.

FeatureEPYC 9124Ryzen 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 66.7% 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 4700% 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).

FeatureEPYC 9124Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
Socket
SP5
FP11
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
8000+67%
Max RAM Capacity
6144 GB+4700%
128 GB
RAM Channels
12+200%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
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.

FeatureEPYC 9124Ryzen 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

At launch, the EPYC 9124 was priced at $1083, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 came in at $600. On launch pricing ($1083 vs $600), Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 was $483 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — making the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 the 56.4% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9124Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
MSRP
$1083
$600-45%
Performance per Dollar
40.3
72.0+79%
Release Date
2022
2025

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