EPYC 9555 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

AMD

EPYC 9555

64 Cores128 Thrd360 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2024
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

64 Cores128 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper family
·

EPYC 9555 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: 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

  • 60% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (133,253 vs 142,069).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($9,826 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $4,827 less on MSRP ($4,999 MSRP vs $9,826 MSRP).
  • Delivers 109.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $9,826 MSRP).
  • Draws 350W instead of 360W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than EPYC 9555?
Yes. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 6.6% 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, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.4% 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, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.6% better PassMark, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X comes in $4,827 cheaper on MSRP at $4,999 MSRP versus $9,826 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 109.6% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), 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 9980X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024), more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 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 Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.

Processing Power

Both the EPYC 9555 and Ryzen Threadripper 9980X share an identical 64-core/128-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9555 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 20.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9555 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9555 scores 133,253 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 6.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. Both processors carry 256 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureEPYC 9555Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Cores / Threads
64 / 128
64 / 128
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
5.4 GHz+23%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)
256 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
4 nm
4 nm
Architecture
Turin (2024)
Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark
133,253
142,069+7%
Cinebench R23 Multi
115,098
Geekbench 6 Single
3,220
Geekbench 6 Multi
28,666
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9555 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6000 on the EPYC 9555 versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports 6.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9555 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9555) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9555) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the EPYC 9555 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9555) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).

FeatureEPYC 9555Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Socket
SP5
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6000
DDR5-6400+7%
Max RAM Capacity
6 TB+500%
1 TB
RAM Channels
12+200%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+60%
80
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9555) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: EPYC 9555 targets Data Center, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9555 rivals Xeon 6972P; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.

FeatureEPYC 9555Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
AMD-V, SVM
Target Use
Data Center
HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9555 was priced at $9826, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X came in at $4999. On launch pricing ($9826 vs $4999), Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was $4827 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9555 delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 70.8% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9555Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP
$9826
$4999-49%
Performance per Dollar
13.6
28.4+109%
Release Date
2024
2025

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