EPYC 9254
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
EPYC 9254 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 9254 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
EPYC 9254 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
EPYC 9254
2022Why buy it
- ✅+31.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
- ✅Costs $730 less on MSRP ($3,761 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 22.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.1 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($3,761 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 200W instead of 280W, a 80W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
2019Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +34.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (13,739 vs 18,023).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($4,491 MSRP vs $3,761 MSRP).
- ❌40% higher power demand at 280W vs 200W.
- ❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while EPYC 9254 moves to SP5 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is EPYC 9254 better than Ryzen Threadripper 3970X?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9254 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
EPYC 9254
The EPYC 9254 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.15 GHz. L3 cache: 128 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: 64,344 points. Launch price was $2,299.
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9254 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.15 GHz on the EPYC 9254 versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — a 8.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 9254 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9254 scores 64,344 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 62,946 — a 2.2% lead for the EPYC 9254. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,233 vs 1,664, a 29.2% lead for the EPYC 9254 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,023 vs 13,739 (27% advantage for the EPYC 9254). L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9254 vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.15 GHz | 4.5 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 128 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+51100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 64,344+2% | 62,946 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 44,510 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,233+34% | 1,664 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,023+31% | 13,739 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9254 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9254 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — the EPYC 9254 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9254) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9254) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) — the EPYC 9254 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9254) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X).
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+50% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+2300% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+100% | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9254 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 9254) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Primary use case: EPYC 9254 targets Enterprise Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9254 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Enterprise Server | — |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9254 was priced at $3761, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X came in at $4491. On launch pricing ($3761 vs $4491), EPYC 9254 was $730 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9254 delivers 17.1 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — making the EPYC 9254 the 19.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3761-16% | $4491 |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.1+22% | 14.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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