EPYC 9384X vs EPYC 7742
EPYC 9384X
EPYC 7742
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9384X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7742
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,157) | ✅ More affordable ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa-X (2023) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+400%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,157) | ✅ More affordable ($800) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 9384X and EPYC 7742
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.
EPYC 7742
The EPYC 7742 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,448 points. Launch price was $6,950.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9384X packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 7742 offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 7742 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the EPYC 9384X versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7742 — a 13.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9384X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.25 GHz). The EPYC 9384X uses the Genoa-X (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the EPYC 7742 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9384X scores 72,121 against the EPYC 7742's 69,448 — a 3.8% lead for the EPYC 9384X. L3 cache: 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 9384X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7742.
| Feature | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 64 / 128+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+15% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+38% | 2.25 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 768 MB (total)+200% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-29% | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa-X (2023) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 72,121+4% | 69,448 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9384X uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7742 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9384X versus 3200 on the EPYC 7742 — the EPYC 9384X supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9384X supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9384X) vs 8 (EPYC 7742). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9384X) and SP3 (EPYC 7742).
| Feature | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+50% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9384X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9384X) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7742). Direct competitor: EPYC 9384X rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; EPYC 7742 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9384X launched at $5529 MSRP, while the EPYC 7742 debuted at $6950. At current prices ($4157 vs $800), the EPYC 7742 is $3357 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9384X delivers 17.3 pts/$ vs 86.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7742 — making the EPYC 7742 the 133.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9384X | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $5529-20% | $6950 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $4157 | $800-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.3 | 86.8+402% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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