EPYC 9684X
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
EPYC 9684X 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 9684X 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 9684X 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 9684X
2023Why buy it
- ✅+12.6% higher PassMark.
- ✅+800% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB 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 PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 43.4 PassMark/$ ($14,756 MSRP vs $2,499 MSRP).
- ❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +34.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $12,257 less on MSRP ($2,499 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 424.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 43.4 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($2,499 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 350W instead of 400W, a 50W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (108,377 vs 122,017).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 1.1 GB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9970X better than EPYC 9684X?
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 9684X vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
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 9684X packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 9684X has 64 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9684X versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X (base: 2.55 GHz vs 4 GHz). The EPYC 9684X uses the Genoa-X (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9684X scores 122,017 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X's 108,377 — a 11.8% lead for the EPYC 9684X. L3 cache: 1152 MB (total) on the EPYC 9684X vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+200% | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5.4 GHz+46% |
| Base Clock | 2.55 GHz | 4 GHz+57% |
| L3 Cache | 1152 MB (total)+800% | 128 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm | 4 nm-20% |
| Architecture | Genoa-X (2023) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 122,017+13% | 108,377 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 76,136 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,220 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 29,244 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9684X 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 9684X 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 9684X supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9684X) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9684X) vs 92 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X) — the EPYC 9684X offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9684X) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X).
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | 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 9684X) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). Primary use case: EPYC 9684X targets HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads, Ryzen Threadripper 9970X targets HEDT / Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9684X rivals Xeon 6979P; Ryzen Threadripper 9970X rivals Xeon w7-3465X.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads | HEDT / Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9684X was priced at $14756, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X came in at $2499. On launch pricing ($14756 vs $2499), Ryzen Threadripper 9970X was $12257 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9684X delivers 8.3 pts/$ vs 43.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X the 135.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $14756 | $2499-83% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.3 | 43.4+423% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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