EPYC 9254 vs Xeon 6520P
EPYC 9254
Xeon 6520P
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 9254
Performance Per Dollar Xeon 6520P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,099) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,295) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Granite Rapids (2024−2025) / Intel 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,099) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,295) |
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 9254 and Xeon 6520P
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. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4 TB — 199.7% 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+50% | 4 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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
The EPYC 9254 launched at $3761 MSRP, while the Xeon 6520P debuted at $1295. At current prices ($1099 vs $1295), the EPYC 9254 is $196 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9254 delivers 58.5 pts/$ vs 49.4 pts/$ for the Xeon 6520P — making the EPYC 9254 the 16.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon 6520P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3761 | $1295-66% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1099-15% | $1295 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.5+18% | 49.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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