EPYC 9255 vs EPYC 7643
EPYC 9255
EPYC 7643
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 9255
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7643
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,750) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+42%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,750) |
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 9255 and EPYC 7643
EPYC 9255
The EPYC 9255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 75,809 points. Launch price was $2,495.
EPYC 7643
The EPYC 7643 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 76,050 points. Launch price was $4,995.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9255 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 7643 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7643 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 versus 3.6 GHz on the EPYC 7643 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 3.25 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The EPYC 9255 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 7643 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm+). In PassMark, the EPYC 9255 scores 75,809 against the EPYC 7643's 76,050 — a 0.3% lead for the EPYC 7643. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255 vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7643.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+33% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.25 GHz+41% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | 7 nm+ |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Milan (2021−2023) |
| PassMark | 75,809 | 76,050 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,671 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9255 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7643 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9255 versus DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7643 — the EPYC 9255 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4 TB — 199.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9255) vs 8 (EPYC 7643). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9255) and SP3 (EPYC 7643).
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 4 TB+69904967% |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9255 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9255) vs AMD-V (EPYC 7643). Primary use case: EPYC 7643 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+; EPYC 7643 rivals EPYC 7443P.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9255 launched at $2495 MSRP, while the EPYC 7643 debuted at $4995. At current prices ($1934 vs $2750), the EPYC 9255 is $816 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9255 delivers 39.2 pts/$ vs 27.7 pts/$ for the EPYC 7643 — making the EPYC 9255 the 34.5% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | EPYC 7643 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2495-50% | $4995 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1934-30% | $2750 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.2+42% | 27.7 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2021 |
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