EPYC 9174F vs Ryzen 9 7900X

AMD

EPYC 9174F

16 Cores32 Thrd320 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 7900X

12 Cores24 Thrd170 WWMax: 5.6 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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EPYC 9174F vs Ryzen 9 7900X 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 9174F vs Ryzen 9 7900X 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 9174F vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9174F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 28.
  • Costs $355 less on MSRP ($194 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • Delivers 188.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 269.3 vs 93.5 PassMark/$ ($194 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • 357.1% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 88.2% higher power demand at 320W vs 170W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 9 7900X can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 9 7900X

2022

Why buy it

  • Draws 170W instead of 320W, a 150W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Graphics, while EPYC 9174F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9174F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (51,329 vs 52,249).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9174F, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 93.5 vs 269.3 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $194 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9174F better than Ryzen 9 7900X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 9174F makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 7900X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9174F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 256 MB versus 64 MB.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9174F is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 64 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 9174F is the better buy right now. EPYC 9174F comes in $355 cheaper on MSRP at $194 MSRP versus $549 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 188.1% better value on MSRP (269.3 vs 93.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9174F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 64 MB and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 12/24. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 9174F vs Ryzen 9 7900X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

AMD

Ryzen 9 7900X

The Ryzen 9 7900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2022-09-27. It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 51,329 points. Launch price was $549.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9174F packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 9174F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9174F versus 5.6 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7900X — a 24% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7900X (base: 4.1 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The EPYC 9174F uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen 9 7900X uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9174F scores 52,249 against the Ryzen 9 7900X's 51,329 — a 1.8% lead for the EPYC 9174F. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9174F vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7900X.

FeatureEPYC 9174FRyzen 9 7900X
Cores / Threads
16 / 32+33%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
5.6 GHz+27%
Base Clock
4.1 GHz
4.7 GHz+15%
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+300%
64 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
5 nm, 6 nm
5 nm
Architecture
Genoa (2022−2023)
Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023)
PassMark
52,249+2%
51,329
Cinebench R23 Multi
29,557
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9174F uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 7900X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9174F versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 9 7900X — the Ryzen 9 7900X supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9174F supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9174F) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 7900X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9174F) vs 28 (Ryzen 9 7900X) — the EPYC 9174F offers 100 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9174F) and AM5 (Ryzen 9 7900X).

FeatureEPYC 9174FRyzen 9 7900X
Socket
SP5
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
4800
DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity
6144 GB+4700%
128 GB
RAM Channels
12+500%
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+357%
28
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 7900X 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: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 9174F) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 7900X). The Ryzen 9 7900X includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the EPYC 9174F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 7900X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: EPYC 9174F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Ryzen 9 7900X rivals Core i9-13900K.

FeatureEPYC 9174FRyzen 9 7900X
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Radeon Graphics
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9174F was priced at $194, while the Ryzen 9 7900X came in at $549. On launch pricing ($194 vs $549), EPYC 9174F was $355 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9174F delivers 269.3 pts/$ vs 93.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 7900X — making the EPYC 9174F the 96.9% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9174FRyzen 9 7900X
MSRP
$194-65%
$549
Performance per Dollar
269.3+188%
93.5
Release Date
2022
2022

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