EPYC 9124 vs Xeon w5-3435X

AMD

EPYC 9124

16 Cores32 Thrd200 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2022
EPYC family
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VS
Intel

Xeon w5-3435X

16 Cores32 Thrd270 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2023
Similar parts
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EPYC 9124 vs Xeon w5-3435X 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 Xeon w5-3435X 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 Xeon w5-3435X: 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

  • +42.2% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 45 MB).
  • Costs $506 less on MSRP ($1,083 MSRP vs $1,589 MSRP).
  • Delivers 42.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.3 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($1,083 MSRP vs $1,589 MSRP).
  • Draws 200W instead of 270W, a 70W reduction.
  • 14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-3435X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (43,638 vs 45,086).

Xeon w5-3435X

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (45 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 40.3 PassMark/$ ($1,589 MSRP vs $1,083 MSRP).
  • 35% higher power demand at 270W vs 200W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-3435X better than EPYC 9124?
Yes. Xeon w5-3435X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon w5-3435X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w5-3435X is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon w5-3435X is still the faster CPU overall, but EPYC 9124 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon w5-3435X comes in 46.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,589 MSRP versus $1,083 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. EPYC 9124 is also 42.0% better value on MSRP (40.3 vs 28.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon w5-3435X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 16/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

EPYC 9124 vs Xeon w5-3435X 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.

Intel

Xeon w5-3435X

The Xeon w5-3435X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 45,086 points. Launch price was $1,589.

Processing Power

Both the EPYC 9124 and Xeon w5-3435X share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon w5-3435X — a 23.8% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3435X (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The EPYC 9124 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon w5-3435X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9124 scores 43,638 against the Xeon w5-3435X's 45,086 — a 3.3% lead for the Xeon w5-3435X. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124 vs 45 MB on the Xeon w5-3435X.

FeatureEPYC 9124Xeon w5-3435X
Cores / Threads
16 / 32
16 / 32
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.7 GHz+27%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.1 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+42%
45 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
5 nm, 6 nm-29%
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Genoa (2022−2023)
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
43,638
45,086+3%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,770
Geekbench 6 Multi
18,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9124 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-3435X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9124) vs 8 (Xeon w5-3435X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9124) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3435X) — the EPYC 9124 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9124) and W790 (Xeon w5-3435X).

FeatureEPYC 9124Xeon w5-3435X
Socket
SP5
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
4800
Max RAM Capacity
6144 GB+50%
4096 GB
RAM Channels
12+50%
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+14%
112
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-3435X 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 (Xeon w5-3435X). Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y; Xeon w5-3435X rivals Threadripper PRO 7955WX.

FeatureEPYC 9124Xeon w5-3435X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9124 was priced at $1083, while the Xeon w5-3435X came in at $1589. On launch pricing ($1083 vs $1589), EPYC 9124 was $506 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3435X — making the EPYC 9124 the 34.7% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9124Xeon w5-3435X
MSRP
$1083-32%
$1589
Performance per Dollar
40.3+42%
28.4
Release Date
2022
2023

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