EPYC 9174F vs Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 9174F
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 9174F
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1465%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 9174F and Ryzen 9 5900X
EPYC 9174F
The EPYC 9174F 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 52,249 points. Launch price was $3,850.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9174F packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 9174F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9174F versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 4.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 9174F uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9174F scores 52,249 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 29.2% lead for the EPYC 9174F. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9174F vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.8 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 4.1 GHz+11% | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+300% | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 52,249+34% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9174F uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9174F versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the EPYC 9174F supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9174F supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9174F) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 5900X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9174F) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the EPYC 9174F offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9174F) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 128 GB+2184433% |
| RAM Channels | 12+500% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9174F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 9174F) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9174F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9174F launched at $194 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($30 vs $350), the EPYC 9174F is $320 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9174F delivers 1741.6 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the EPYC 9174F the 176% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-65% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-91% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 1741.6+1465% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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