EPYC 9354 vs Xeon 6740E

AMD

EPYC 9354

32 Cores64 Thrd280 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2022
EPYC family
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VS
Intel

Xeon 6740E

96 Cores96 Thrd250 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2024
Similar parts
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EPYC 9354 vs Xeon 6740E 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 9354 vs Xeon 6740E 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 9354 vs Xeon 6740E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9354

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 96 MB).
  • Costs $1,845 less on MSRP ($3,420 MSRP vs $5,265 MSRP).
  • Delivers 49.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.6 vs 14.5 PassMark/$ ($3,420 MSRP vs $5,265 MSRP).
  • 60% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (73,892 vs 76,167).

Xeon 6740E

2024

Why buy it

  • +3.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 250W instead of 280W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9354 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (96 MB vs 256 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.5 vs 21.6 PassMark/$ ($5,265 MSRP vs $3,420 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon 6740E better than EPYC 9354?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, EPYC 9354 is ahead with a 13.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 6740E pulls ahead with 3.1% better PassMark. EPYC 9354 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 96 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 6740E is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.1% better PassMark, backed by 96 cores and 96 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon 6740E is still the faster CPU overall, but EPYC 9354 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon 6740E comes in 53.9% more expensive on MSRP at $5,265 MSRP versus $3,420 MSRP, and it still gives you 3.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that EPYC 9354 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 13.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. EPYC 9354 is also 49.3% better value on MSRP (21.6 vs 14.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon 6740E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 96 cores / 96 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9354 vs Xeon 6740E Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9354

The EPYC 9354 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 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): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 73,892 points. Launch price was $3,420.

Intel

Xeon 6740E

The Xeon 6740E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB (per module). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 76,167 points. Launch price was $5,265.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9354 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon 6740E offers 96 cores / 96 threads — the Xeon 6740E has 64 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the EPYC 9354 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 6740E — a 17.1% clock advantage for the EPYC 9354 (base: 3.25 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The EPYC 9354 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon 6740E uses Sierra Forest (2024) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9354 scores 73,892 against the Xeon 6740E's 76,167 — a 3% lead for the Xeon 6740E. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9354 vs 96 MB (total) on the Xeon 6740E.

FeatureEPYC 9354Xeon 6740E
Cores / Threads
32 / 64
96 / 96+200%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+19%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.25 GHz+35%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+167%
96 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
4 MB (per module)+300%
Process
5 nm, 6 nm
Intel 3 nm-40%
Architecture
Genoa (2022−2023)
Sierra Forest (2024)
PassMark
73,892
76,167+3%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9354 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon 6740E uses LGA4710 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9354 versus 6400 on the Xeon 6740E — the Xeon 6740E supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9354 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9354) vs 8 (Xeon 6740E). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9354) vs 80 (Xeon 6740E) — the EPYC 9354 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9354) and C741 (Xeon 6740E).

FeatureEPYC 9354Xeon 6740E
Socket
SP5
LGA4710
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
4800
6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity
6144+50%
4096
RAM Channels
12+50%
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+60%
80
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9354) vs VT-x, VT-d, TDX (Xeon 6740E). Direct competitor: EPYC 9354 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Xeon 6740E rivals EPYC 9005.

FeatureEPYC 9354Xeon 6740E
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, TDX
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9354 was priced at $3420, while the Xeon 6740E came in at $5265. On launch pricing ($3420 vs $5265), EPYC 9354 was $1845 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9354 delivers 21.6 pts/$ vs 14.5 pts/$ for the Xeon 6740E — making the EPYC 9354 the 39.6% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9354Xeon 6740E
MSRP
$3420-35%
$5265
Performance per Dollar
21.6+49%
14.5
Release Date
2022
2024

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