EPYC 9255
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
EPYC 9255 vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 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 Threadripper 3990X 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 Threadripper 3990X: 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: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $1,495 less on MSRP ($2,495 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 51.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.4 vs 20.0 PassMark/$ ($2,495 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 200W instead of 280W, a 80W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (75,809 vs 79,889).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
2019Why buy it
- ✅+5.4% higher PassMark.
- ✅+100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9255 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.0 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($3,990 MSRP vs $2,495 MSRP).
- ❌40% higher power demand at 280W vs 200W.
- ❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while EPYC 9255 moves to SP5 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is EPYC 9255 better than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?
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 Threadripper 3990X 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 Threadripper 3990X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9255 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 40 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — a 11% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 3.25 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The EPYC 9255 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9255 scores 75,809 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X's 79,889 — a 5.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255 vs 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 64 / 128+167% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+12% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.25 GHz+12% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 256 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+51100% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 75,809 | 79,889+5% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 64,366 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,961 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 22,045 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9255 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses TR4 (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 Threadripper 3990X — 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 256 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9255) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9255) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) — the EPYC 9255 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9255) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X).
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+2300% | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+45% | 88 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 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 true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Direct competitor: EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+; Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP | true |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9255 was priced at $2495, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X came in at $3990. On launch pricing ($2495 vs $3990), EPYC 9255 was $1495 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9255 delivers 30.4 pts/$ vs 20.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — making the EPYC 9255 the 41.1% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9255 | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2495-37% | $3990 |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.4+52% | 20.0 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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