EPYC 9274F vs Ryzen 5 3600

CPU

GPU

EPYC 9274F

24 Cores48 Thrd320 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2022

EPYC family

·······

Buy on Amazon

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen family

·······

Buy on Amazon

EPYC 9274F vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum

EPYC 9274F

24 / 48

73,982

+318.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Ryzen 9 9950X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen 5 3600

6 / 12

17,685

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 9274F vs Ryzen 5 3600 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 9274F vs Ryzen 5 3600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9274F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +40.8% 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 24.2 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($3,060 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌392.3% higher power demand at 320W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $2,861 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $3,060 MSRP).
✅Delivers 267.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 24.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $3,060 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 320W, a 255W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike EPYC 9274F.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9274F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 73,982).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9274F, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while EPYC 9274F moves to SP5 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9274F better than Ryzen 5 3600?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 9274F makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 3600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9274F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 40.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 256 MB versus 32 MB.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9274F is the stronger fit. You are getting 318.3% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 32 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

EPYC 9274F is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 3600 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 9274F comes in 1437.7% more expensive on MSRP at $3,060 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 40.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 3600 is also 267.6% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 24.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

EPYC 9274F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2019), a healthier platform with SP5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 32 MB, more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 6/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9274F vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

EPYC 9274F

The EPYC 9274F 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 4.05 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 73,982 points. Launch price was $3,060.

Ryzen 5 3600

The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 9274F packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 9274F has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the EPYC 9274F versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the EPYC 9274F (base: 4.05 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 9274F uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9274F scores 73,982 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 122.8% lead for the EPYC 9274F. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9274F vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	EPYC 9274F	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	24 / 48+300%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+2%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	4.05 GHz+12%	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	256 MB (total)+700%	32 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	5 nm, 6 nm-29%	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Genoa (2022−2023)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	73,982+318%	17,685
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9274F uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9274F versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the EPYC 9274F supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9274F supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9274F) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9274F) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the EPYC 9274F offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9274F) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

Feature	EPYC 9274F	Ryzen 5 3600
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	No
PCIe Lanes	128+433%	24

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9274F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9274F) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9274F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	EPYC 9274F	Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP	Yes
Target Use	—	Gaming/Budget Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9274F was priced at $3060, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($3060 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $2861 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9274F delivers 24.2 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 114.5% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 9274F	Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP	$3060	$199-93%
Performance per Dollar	24.2	88.9+267%
Release Date	2022	2019

Search EPYC 9274F on Amazon

Search Ryzen 5 3600 on Amazon

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.