EPYC 9555 vs EPYC 9655

AMD

EPYC 9555

64 Cores128 Thrd360 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2024
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 9655

96 Cores192 Thrd400 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2024
EPYC family
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EPYC 9555 vs EPYC 9655 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 9555 vs EPYC 9655 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 9555 vs EPYC 9655: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9555

2024

Why buy it

  • Costs $2,026 less on MSRP ($9,826 MSRP vs $11,852 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (133,253 vs 156,110).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 384 MB).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

EPYC 9655

2024

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 256 MB).
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • 20.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $11,852 MSRPvs$9,826 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9655 better than EPYC 9555?
Yes. EPYC 9655 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 17.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9655 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 9655 is the stronger fit. You are getting 17.2% better PassMark, backed by 96 cores and 192 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 256 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 9655 is still the faster CPU overall, but EPYC 9555 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. EPYC 9655 comes in 20.6% more expensive on MSRP at $11,852 MSRP versus $9,826 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. EPYC 9555 is also 3.0% better value on MSRP (13.6 vs 13.2 PassMark/$), 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 9655 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 50% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 256 MB), more multi-core headroom with 96 cores / 192 threads instead of 64/128, 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 9555 vs EPYC 9655 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9555

The EPYC 9555 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 360 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 133,253 points. Launch price was $9,826.

AMD

EPYC 9655

The EPYC 9655 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 156,110 points. Launch price was $11,852.

Processing Power

The EPYC 9555 packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the EPYC 9655 offers 96 cores / 192 threads — the EPYC 9655 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9555 versus 4.5 GHz on the EPYC 9655 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 9655 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Turin (2024) architecture using a 4 nm process. In PassMark, the EPYC 9555 scores 133,253 against the EPYC 9655's 156,110 — a 15.8% lead for the EPYC 9655. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9555 vs 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9655.

FeatureEPYC 9555EPYC 9655
Cores / Threads
64 / 128
96 / 192+50%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.5 GHz+2%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+23%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)
384 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
4 nm
4 nm
Architecture
Turin (2024)
Turin (2024)
PassMark
133,253
156,110+17%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,830
Geekbench 6 Multi
29,329
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the SP5 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-6000 memory speed. The EPYC 9655 supports up to 9 TB of RAM compared to 6 TB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 12-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9555) and SP5 (EPYC 9655).

FeatureEPYC 9555EPYC 9655
Socket
SP5
SP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6000
DDR5-6000
Max RAM Capacity
6 TB
9 TB+50%
RAM Channels
12
12
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128
128
🔧

Advanced Features

Both support AMD-V, SEV-SNP virtualization. Primary use case: EPYC 9555 targets Data Center, EPYC 9655 targets Data Center. Direct competitor: EPYC 9555 rivals Xeon 6972P; EPYC 9655 rivals Xeon 6979P.

FeatureEPYC 9555EPYC 9655
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
Target Use
Data Center
Data Center
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9555 was priced at $9826, while the EPYC 9655 came in at $11852. On launch pricing ($9826 vs $11852), EPYC 9555 was $2026 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9555 delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 9655 — making the EPYC 9555 the 2.9% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9555EPYC 9655
MSRP
$9826-17%
$11852
Performance per Dollar
13.6+3%
13.2
Release Date
2024
2024

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