EPYC 9454 vs Xeon Max 9480

CPU

GPU

EPYC 9454

48 Cores96 Thrd290 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2022

EPYC family

·······

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Xeon Max 9480

56 Cores112 Thrd350 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2023

Similar parts

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EPYC 9454 vs Xeon Max 9480 Performance Spectrum

EPYC 9454

48 / 96

87,961

+6.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX

Ryzen 9 7945HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Xeon Max 9480

56 / 112

82,913

0.0%

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 Xeon Max 9480 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 Xeon Max 9480: 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

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+127.6% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 113 MB).
✅Costs $7,755 less on MSRP ($5,225 MSRP vs $12,980 MSRP).
✅Delivers 163.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$ ($5,225 MSRP vs $12,980 MSRP).
✅Draws 290W instead of 350W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Max 9480

2023

Why buy it

✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9454 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (82,913 vs 87,961).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (113 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.4 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($12,980 MSRP vs $5,225 MSRP).
❌20.7% higher power demand at 350W vs 290W.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9454 better than Xeon Max 9480?

Yes. EPYC 9454 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 6.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9454 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 6.1% better PassMark, backed by 48 cores and 96 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 127.6% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 113 MB).

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

EPYC 9454 is the better buy right now. EPYC 9454 comes in $7,755 cheaper on MSRP at $5,225 MSRP versus $12,980 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 163.5% better value on MSRP (16.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon Max 9480 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 Xeon Max 9480 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon Max 9480

The Xeon Max 9480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 112.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,913 points. Launch price was $12,980.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 9454 packs 48 cores / 96 threads, while the Xeon Max 9480 offers 56 cores / 112 threads — the Xeon Max 9480 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the EPYC 9454 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Max 9480 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 9454 (base: 2.75 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The EPYC 9454 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9454 scores 87,961 against the Xeon Max 9480's 82,913 — a 5.9% lead for the EPYC 9454. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9454 vs 112.5 MB on the Xeon Max 9480.

Feature	EPYC 9454	Xeon Max 9480
Cores / Threads	48 / 96	56 / 112+17%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+9%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.75 GHz+45%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	256 MB (total)+128%	112.5 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+100%
Process	5 nm, 6 nm-50%	10 nm
Architecture	Genoa (2022−2023)	Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023)
PassMark	87,961+6%	82,913
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	55,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9454 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9454 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 4096 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9454) vs 8 (Xeon Max 9480). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9454) vs 80 (Xeon Max 9480) — the EPYC 9454 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9454) and C741 (Xeon Max 9480).

Feature	EPYC 9454	Xeon Max 9480
Socket	SP5	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	6 TB+50%	4096 GB
RAM Channels	12+50%	8
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128+60%	80

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9454) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Max 9480). Primary use case: EPYC 9454 targets Data Center, Xeon Max 9480 targets HPC Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9454 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Xeon Max 9480 rivals EPYC 9684X.

Feature	EPYC 9454	Xeon Max 9480
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V, SEV-SNP	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Data Center	HPC Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9454 was priced at $5225, while the Xeon Max 9480 came in at $12980. On launch pricing ($5225 vs $12980), EPYC 9454 was $7755 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9454 delivers 16.8 pts/$ vs 6.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Max 9480 — making the EPYC 9454 the 90% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 9454	Xeon Max 9480
MSRP	$5225-60%	$12980
Performance per Dollar	16.8+163%	6.4
Release Date	2022	2023

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