EPYC 9255 vs EPYC 9384X

AMD

EPYC 9255

24 Cores48 Thrd200 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 9384X

32 Cores64 Thrd320 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2023
EPYC family
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EPYC 9255 vs EPYC 9384X 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 9255 vs EPYC 9384X 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 9255 vs EPYC 9384X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9255

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +18.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $3,034 less on MSRP ($2,495 MSRP vs $5,529 MSRP).
  • Delivers 132.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.4 vs 13.0 PassMark/$ ($2,495 MSRP vs $5,529 MSRP).
  • Draws 200W instead of 320W, a 120W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 768 MB).

EPYC 9384X

2023

Why buy it

  • +500% larger total L3 cache (768 MB vs 128 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9255 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (72,121 vs 75,809).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.0 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($5,529 MSRP vs $2,495 MSRP).
  • 60% higher power demand at 320W vs 200W.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9255 better than EPYC 9384X?
Yes. EPYC 9255 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 5.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9255 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9255 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.1% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 9255 is the better buy right now. EPYC 9255 comes in $3,034 cheaper on MSRP at $2,495 MSRP versus $5,529 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 132.9% better value on MSRP (30.4 vs 13.0 PassMark/$), 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 9255 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9255 vs EPYC 9384X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

AMD

EPYC 9384X

The EPYC 9384X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 June 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Genoa-X (2023) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 768 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 72,121 points. Launch price was $5,529.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9255 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 9384X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 9384X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 versus 3.9 GHz on the EPYC 9384X — a 20.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 3.25 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The EPYC 9255 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 9384X uses Genoa-X (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9255 scores 75,809 against the EPYC 9384X's 72,121 — a 5% lead for the EPYC 9255. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255 vs 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 9384X.

FeatureEPYC 9255EPYC 9384X
Cores / Threads
24 / 48
32 / 64+33%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+23%
3.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.25 GHz+5%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
128 MB (total)
768 MB (total)+500%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
4 nm-20%
5 nm
Architecture
Turin (2024)
Genoa-X (2023)
PassMark
75,809+5%
72,121
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the SP5 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 6144 of RAM. Both feature 12-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9255) and SP5 (EPYC 9384X).

FeatureEPYC 9255EPYC 9384X
Socket
SP5
SP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
4800
4800
Max RAM Capacity
6144
6144
RAM Channels
12
12
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128
128
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+; EPYC 9384X rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.

FeatureEPYC 9255EPYC 9384X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP
VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9255 was priced at $2495, while the EPYC 9384X came in at $5529. On launch pricing ($2495 vs $5529), EPYC 9255 was $3034 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9255 delivers 30.4 pts/$ vs 13.0 pts/$ for the EPYC 9384X — making the EPYC 9255 the 79.9% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9255EPYC 9384X
MSRP
$2495-55%
$5529
Performance per Dollar
30.4+134%
13.0
Release Date
2024
2023

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