EPYC 9654 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
EPYC 9654
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9654
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5,345) | ✅ More affordable ($2,442) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5,345) | ✅ More affordable ($2,442) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 9654 and Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
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. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9654 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 142.9% 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+500% | 1 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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
The EPYC 9654 launched at $11805 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X debuted at $2499. At current prices ($5345 vs $2442), the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is $2903 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9654 delivers 22.3 pts/$ vs 44.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X the 66.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9654 | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $11805 | $2499-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5345 | $2442-54% |
| Performance per Dollar | 22.3 | 44.4+99% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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