EPYC 9655
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
EPYC 9655 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 9655 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.
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 9655 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 9655
2024Why buy it
- ✅+2.3% higher Geekbench multi-core.
- ✅+50% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 256 MB).
- ✅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 per dollar, at 13.2 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($11,852 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +13.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $6,853 less on MSRP ($4,999 MSRP vs $11,852 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 115.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 13.2 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $11,852 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 350W instead of 400W, a 50W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (28,666 vs 29,329).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 384 MB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than EPYC 9655?
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 9655 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
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
The EPYC 9655 packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 9655 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the EPYC 9655 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9655 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9655 scores 156,110 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 9.4% lead for the EPYC 9655. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,830 vs 3,220, a 12.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 29,329 vs 28,666 (2.3% advantage for the EPYC 9655). L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9655 vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655 | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+50% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.4 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total)+50% | 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 | 156,110+10% | 142,069 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 115,098 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,830 | 3,220+14% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 29,329+2% | 28,666 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9655 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 9655 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 9655 supports up to 9 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9655) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9655) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the EPYC 9655 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9655) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).
| Feature | EPYC 9655 | Ryzen 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 | 9 TB+800% | 1 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9655) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: EPYC 9655 targets Data Center, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9655 rivals Xeon 6979P; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655 | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | Data Center | HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9655 was priced at $11852, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X came in at $4999. On launch pricing ($11852 vs $4999), Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was $6853 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9655 delivers 13.2 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 73.3% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9655 | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $11852 | $4999-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 13.2 | 28.4+115% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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