EPYC 9654P vs EPYC 9684X

AMD

EPYC 9654P

96 Cores192 Thrd360 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2022
VS
AMD

EPYC 9684X

96 Cores192 Thrd400 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2023

EPYC 9654P vs EPYC 9684X 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 9654P vs EPYC 9684X 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 9654P vs EPYC 9684X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 9654P

2022

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $4,131 less on MSRP ($10,625 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 32.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.9 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($10,625 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 360W instead of 400W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (116,324 vs 122,017).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (384 MB vs 1.1 GB).

EPYC 9684X

2023

Why buy it

  • βœ…+4.9% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…+200% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 384 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 9654P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 10.9 PassMark/$ ($14,756 MSRP vs $10,625 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 9654P better than EPYC 9684X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, EPYC 9654P is ahead with a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9684X pulls ahead with 4.9% better PassMark. EPYC 9684X also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 384 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9684X is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.9% better PassMark, backed by 96 cores and 192 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 384 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 9654P is the better buy right now. EPYC 9654P comes in $4,131 cheaper on MSRP at $10,625 MSRP versus $14,756 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 9684X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 4.9% better PassMark. It is also 32.4% better value on MSRP (10.9 vs 8.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9684X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022), 200% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 384 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 96 cores / 192 threads instead of 96/192. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 9654P vs EPYC 9684X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9654P

The EPYC 9654P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022βˆ’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: 116,324 points. Launch price was $10,625.

AMD

EPYC 9684X

The EPYC 9684X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 June 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Genoa-X (2023) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.55 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1152 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 122,017 points. Launch price was $14,756.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the EPYC 9654P and EPYC 9684X share an identical 96-core/192-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9654P versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9684X β€” identical boost frequencies (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.55 GHz). The EPYC 9654P uses the Genoa (2022βˆ’2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the EPYC 9684X uses Genoa-X (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9654P scores 116,324 against the EPYC 9684X's 122,017 β€” a 4.8% lead for the EPYC 9684X. L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9654P vs 1152 MB (total) on the EPYC 9684X.

FeatureEPYC 9654PEPYC 9684X
Cores / Threads
96 / 192
96 / 192
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.55 GHz+6%
L3 Cache
384 MB (total)
1152 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
5 nm, 6 nm
5 nm
Architecture
Genoa (2022βˆ’2023)
Genoa-X (2023)
PassMark
116,324
122,017+5%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,025
β€”
Geekbench 6 Multi
23,214
β€”
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the SP5 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 6 TB of RAM. Both feature 12-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9654P) and SP5 (EPYC 9684X).

FeatureEPYC 9654PEPYC 9684X
Socket
SP5
SP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
6 TB
6 TB
RAM Channels
12
12
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128
128
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Both support AMD-V, SEV-SNP virtualization. Primary use case: EPYC 9654P targets Data Center / Single Socket, EPYC 9684X targets HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads. Direct competitor: EPYC 9654P rivals Xeon 8490H; EPYC 9684X rivals Xeon 6979P.

FeatureEPYC 9654PEPYC 9684X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
Target Use
Data Center / Single Socket
HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9654P was priced at $10625, while the EPYC 9684X came in at $14756. On launch pricing ($10625 vs $14756), EPYC 9654P was $4131 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9654P delivers 10.9 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9684X β€” making the EPYC 9654P the 27.9% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9654PEPYC 9684X
MSRP
$10625-28%
$14756
Performance per Dollar
10.9+31%
8.3
Release Date
2022
2023

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.