EPYC 9454 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

AMD

EPYC 9454

48 Cores96 Thrd290 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2022
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

24 Cores48 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.3 GHz2023
Threadripper family
·

EPYC 9454 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X 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 9454 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X 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 9454 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9454

2022

Why buy it

  • +5.3% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
  • Draws 290W instead of 350W, a 60W reduction.
  • 45.5% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 88) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 7960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 55.7 PassMark/$ ($5,225 MSRP vs $1,499 MSRP).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +23.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $3,726 less on MSRP ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 231.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.7 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($1,499 MSRP vs $5,225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (83,554 vs 87,961).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).
  • 20.7% higher power demand at 350W vs 290W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 7960X better than EPYC 9454?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is ahead with a 23.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9454 pulls ahead with 5.3% better PassMark. EPYC 9454 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9454 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.3% better PassMark, backed by 48 cores and 96 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 7960X comes in $3,726 cheaper on MSRP at $1,499 MSRP versus $5,225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 9454 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 5.3% better PassMark. It is also 231.1% better value on MSRP (55.7 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper 7960X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 9454 vs Ryzen Threadripper 7960X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9454

The EPYC 9454 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 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.75 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): 290 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 87,961 points. Launch price was $5,225.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

The Ryzen Threadripper 7960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 83,554 points. Launch price was $1,499.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9454 packs 48 cores / 96 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 9454 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the EPYC 9454 versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — a 33% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X (base: 2.75 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The EPYC 9454 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses Storm Peak (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9454 scores 87,961 against the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X's 83,554 — a 5.1% lead for the EPYC 9454. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9454 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X.

FeatureEPYC 9454Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
Cores / Threads
48 / 96+100%
24 / 48
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
5.3 GHz+39%
Base Clock
2.75 GHz
4.2 GHz+53%
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+100%
128 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
5 nm, 6 nm
5 nm
Architecture
Genoa (2022−2023)
Storm Peak (2023)
PassMark
87,961+5%
83,554
Cinebench R23 Multi
65,824
Geekbench 6 Single
2,780
Geekbench 6 Multi
24,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9454 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9454 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9454 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1024 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9454) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9454) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X) — the EPYC 9454 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9454) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X).

FeatureEPYC 9454Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
Socket
SP5
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity
6 TB+500%
1024 GB
RAM Channels
12+200%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+45%
88
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9454) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 7960X). Primary use case: EPYC 9454 targets Data Center. Direct competitor: EPYC 9454 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Ryzen Threadripper 7960X rivals Xeon w7-3445.

FeatureEPYC 9454Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
true
Target Use
Data Center
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9454 was priced at $5225, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X came in at $1499. On launch pricing ($5225 vs $1499), Ryzen Threadripper 7960X was $3726 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9454 delivers 16.8 pts/$ vs 55.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 7960X the 107.2% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9454Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
MSRP
$5225
$1499-71%
Performance per Dollar
16.8
55.7+232%
Release Date
2022
2023

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