EPYC 9254
Xeon 6520P
EPYC 9254 vs Xeon 6520P 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 Xeon 6520P 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 Xeon 6520P: 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
- ✅Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Draws 200W instead of 210W, a 10W reduction.
- ✅45.5% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 88) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (18,023 vs 25,000).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.1 vs 49.4 PassMark/$ ($3,761 MSRP vs $1,295 MSRP).
Xeon 6520P
2025Why buy it
- ✅+38.7% higher Geekbench multi-core.
- ✅Costs $2,466 less on MSRP ($1,295 MSRP vs $3,761 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 188.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.4 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($1,295 MSRP vs $3,761 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9254 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
Quick Answers
So, is Xeon 6520P better than EPYC 9254?
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 Xeon 6520P 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.
Xeon 6520P
The Xeon 6520P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 144 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 210 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 64,010 points. Launch price was $1,295.
Processing Power
Both the EPYC 9254 and Xeon 6520P share an identical 24-core/48-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.15 GHz on the EPYC 9254 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon 6520P — a 3.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9254 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The EPYC 9254 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon 6520P uses Granite Rapids (2024−2025) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9254 scores 64,344 against the Xeon 6520P's 64,010 — a 0.5% lead for the EPYC 9254. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,233 vs 1,900, a 16.1% lead for the EPYC 9254 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,023 vs 25,000 (32.4% advantage for the Xeon 6520P). L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9254 vs 144 MB (total) on the Xeon 6520P.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.15 GHz+4% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+21% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 144 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm | Intel 3 nm-40% |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Granite Rapids (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 64,344 | 64,010 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,233+18% | 1,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,023 | 25,000+39% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9254 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon 6520P uses LGA4710 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9254 versus DDR5-6400 on the Xeon 6520P — the Xeon 6520P supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4 TB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9254) vs 8 (Xeon 6520P). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9254) vs 88 (Xeon 6520P) — the EPYC 9254 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9254) and FCLGA4710 (Xeon 6520P).
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA4710 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-6400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+50% | 4 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+45% | 88 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 9254) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon 6520P). Primary use case: EPYC 9254 targets Enterprise Server, Xeon 6520P targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9254 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Xeon 6520P rivals EPYC 9254.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enterprise Server | Server |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9254 was priced at $3761, while the Xeon 6520P came in at $1295. On launch pricing ($3761 vs $1295), Xeon 6520P was $2466 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9254 delivers 17.1 pts/$ vs 49.4 pts/$ for the Xeon 6520P — making the Xeon 6520P the 97.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3761 | $1295-66% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.1 | 49.4+189% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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