EPYC 9654
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
EPYC 9654 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X 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 9654 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
EPYC 9654 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
EPYC 9654
2022Why buy it
- ✅+200% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 128 MB).
- ✅39.1% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 92) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 9970X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (20,000 vs 29,244).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 43.4 PassMark/$ ($11,805 MSRP vs $2,499 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +23.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $9,306 less on MSRP ($2,499 MSRP vs $11,805 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 329.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 43.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($2,499 MSRP vs $11,805 MSRP).
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 384 MB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9970X better than EPYC 9654?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9654 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
EPYC 9654
The EPYC 9654 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 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 360 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 119,246 points. Launch price was $11,805.
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9970X 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 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: 108,377 points. Launch price was $2,499.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9654 packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 9654 has 64 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9654 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X (base: 2.4 GHz vs 4 GHz). The EPYC 9654 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9654 scores 119,246 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X's 108,377 — a 9.6% lead for the EPYC 9654. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,250 vs 3,220, a 88.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 20,000 vs 29,244 (37.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9654 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X.
| Feature | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+200% | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5.4 GHz+46% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 4 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total)+200% | 128 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm | 4 nm-20% |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 119,246+10% | 108,377 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 76,136 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,250 | 3,220+158% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 20,000 | 29,244+46% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9654 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9654 versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9654 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9654) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9654) vs 92 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X) — the EPYC 9654 offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9654) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X).
| Feature | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-6400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+500% | 1 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+39% | 92 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9654) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). Primary use case: EPYC 9654 targets Data Center, Ryzen Threadripper 9970X targets HEDT / Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9654 rivals Xeon 8592+; Ryzen Threadripper 9970X rivals Xeon w7-3465X.
| Feature | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | Data Center | HEDT / Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9654 was priced at $11805, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X came in at $2499. On launch pricing ($11805 vs $2499), Ryzen Threadripper 9970X was $9306 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9654 delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 43.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X the 124.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $11805 | $2499-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 10.1 | 43.4+330% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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