EPYC 9684X
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
EPYC 9684X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX 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 PRO 7985WX 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 PRO 7985WX: 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
- ✅+350% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 256 MB).
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (122,017 vs 133,149).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($14,756 MSRP vs $7,349 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
2023Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +31.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $7,407 less on MSRP ($7,349 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 119.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($7,349 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 350W instead of 400W, a 50W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 1.1 GB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX better than EPYC 9684X?
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 9684X vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX 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 PRO 7985WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 133,149 points. Launch price was $7,349.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9684X packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 9684X has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9684X versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX — a 31.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX (base: 2.55 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9684X uses the Genoa-X (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX uses Storm Peak (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9684X scores 122,017 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX's 133,149 — a 8.7% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX. L3 cache: 1152 MB (total) on the EPYC 9684X vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+50% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5.1 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 2.55 GHz | 3.2 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 1152 MB (total)+350% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm | 5 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa-X (2023) | Storm Peak (2023) |
| PassMark | 122,017 | 133,149+9% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 100,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,599 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 24,780 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9684X uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9684X versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9684X supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 2048 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9684X) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX). Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9684X) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX).
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-5200+8% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+200% | 2048 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 8 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9684X) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX). Primary use case: EPYC 9684X targets HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX targets High-end Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9684X rivals Xeon 6979P; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX rivals Xeon w9-3475X.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | true |
| Target Use | HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads | High-end Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9684X was priced at $14756, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX came in at $7349. On launch pricing ($14756 vs $7349), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX was $7407 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9684X delivers 8.3 pts/$ vs 18.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX the 74.7% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9684X | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $14756 | $7349-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.3 | 18.1+118% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 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.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 9684X and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX
