EPYC 9135 vs Xeon Gold 6421N
EPYC 9135
Xeon Gold 6421N
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 9135
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6421N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2412%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
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 9135 and Xeon Gold 6421N
EPYC 9135
The EPYC 9135 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 3.65 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 57,808 points. Launch price was $1,214.
Xeon Gold 6421N
The Xeon Gold 6421N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,797 points. Launch price was $2,368.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9135 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6421N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6421N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the EPYC 9135 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N — a 17.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9135 (base: 3.65 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The EPYC 9135 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6421N uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9135 scores 57,808 against the Xeon Gold 6421N's 58,797 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6421N. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9135 vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N.
| Feature | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+19% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.65 GHz+103% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+7% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 57,808 | 58,797+2% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9135 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6421N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6000 on the EPYC 9135 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6421N — the EPYC 9135 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9135 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9135) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6421N). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9135) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6421N) — the EPYC 9135 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9135) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N).
| Feature | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6000+25% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+50% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 9135 rivals Xeon Platinum 8558P; Xeon Gold 6421N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9135 launched at $1214 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6421N debuted at $2368. At current prices ($95 vs $2427), the EPYC 9135 is $2332 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9135 delivers 608.5 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6421N — making the EPYC 9135 the 184.7% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9135 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1214-49% | $2368 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95-96% | $2427 |
| Performance per Dollar | 608.5+2414% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
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