EPYC 9255
Ryzen 5 5600X
EPYC 9255 vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 Ryzen 5 5600X 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 9255 vs Ryzen 5 5600X: 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
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +23.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
- ✅Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
- ✅433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.4 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($2,495 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
- ❌207.7% higher power demand at 200W vs 65W.
Ryzen 5 5600X
2020Why buy it
- ✅Costs $2,196 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $2,495 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 140.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $2,495 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 200W, a 135W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9255 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (21,845 vs 75,809).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9255, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
- ❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while EPYC 9255 moves to SP5 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is EPYC 9255 better than Ryzen 5 5600X?
Which one is better for gaming?
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 9255 vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9255 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 9255 has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 4.3% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 3.25 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 9255 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9255 scores 75,809 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 110.5% lead for the EPYC 9255. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+300% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+4% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.25 GHz | 3.7 GHz+14% |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+300% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+51100% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 75,809+247% | 21,845 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9255 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9255 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the EPYC 9255 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9255) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9255) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the EPYC 9255 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9255) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+4700% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+500% | 2 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. 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 (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9255 was priced at $2495, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($2495 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $2196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9255 delivers 30.4 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 82.5% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2495 | $299-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.4 | 73.1+140% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2020 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 9255 and Ryzen 5 5600X
