EPYC 9684X vs Xeon 6960P

EPYC 9684X vs Xeon 6960P Performance Spectrum

EPYC 9684X

96 / 192

122,017

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5995WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX

Xeon 6960P

72 / 144

130,659

+7.1%

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 Xeon 6960P 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 9684X vs Xeon 6960P: 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

2023

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (1.1 GB vs 432 MB).
✅Draws 400W instead of 500W, a 100W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 96) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon 6960P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (122,017 vs 130,659).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($14,756 MSRP vs $9,625 MSRP).

Xeon 6960P

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $5,131 less on MSRP ($9,625 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).
✅Delivers 64.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.6 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($9,625 MSRP vs $14,756 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (432 MB vs 1.1 GB).
❌25% higher power demand at 500W vs 400W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon 6960P better than EPYC 9684X?

Yes. Xeon 6960P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 7.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon 6960P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 6960P is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.1% better PassMark, backed by 72 cores and 144 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon 6960P is the better buy right now. Xeon 6960P comes in $5,131 cheaper on MSRP at $9,625 MSRP versus $14,756 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 64.2% better value on MSRP (13.6 vs 8.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon 6960P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023), more multi-core headroom with 72 cores / 144 threads instead of 96/192, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 9684X vs Xeon 6960P 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.

Xeon 6960P

The Xeon 6960P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2024-09-24. It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 72 cores and 144 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 432 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA7529. Thermal design power (TDP): 500 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 130,659 points. Launch price was $9,625.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 9684X packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Xeon 6960P offers 72 cores / 144 threads — the EPYC 9684X has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9684X versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon 6960P — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Xeon 6960P (base: 2.55 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The EPYC 9684X uses the Genoa-X (2023) architecture (5 nm), while the Xeon 6960P uses Granite Rapids (2024−2025) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9684X scores 122,017 against the Xeon 6960P's 130,659 — a 6.8% lead for the Xeon 6960P. L3 cache: 1152 MB (total) on the EPYC 9684X vs 432 MB (total) on the Xeon 6960P.

Feature	EPYC 9684X	Xeon 6960P
Cores / Threads	96 / 192+33%	72 / 144
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.55 GHz	2.7 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	1152 MB (total)+167%	432 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+100%
Process	5 nm	Intel 3 nm-40%
Architecture	Genoa-X (2023)	Granite Rapids (2024−2025)
PassMark	122,017	130,659+7%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,100
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	60,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9684X uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon 6960P uses LGA7529 (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 Xeon 6960P — the Xeon 6960P 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 3072 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 12-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9684X) vs 96 (Xeon 6960P) — the EPYC 9684X offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9684X) and Intel 600 Series (Xeon 6960P).

Feature	EPYC 9684X	Xeon 6960P
Socket	SP5	LGA7529
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	6 TB+100%	3072 GB
RAM Channels	12	12
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128+33%	96

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9684X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon 6960P). Primary use case: EPYC 9684X targets HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads, Xeon 6960P targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9684X rivals Xeon 6979P; Xeon 6960P rivals EPYC 9654.

Feature	EPYC 9684X	Xeon 6960P
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V, SEV-SNP	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	HPC / Cache Sensitive Workloads	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9684X was priced at $14756, while the Xeon 6960P came in at $9625. On launch pricing ($14756 vs $9625), Xeon 6960P was $5131 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9684X delivers 8.3 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Xeon 6960P — making the Xeon 6960P the 48.6% better value option.

Feature	EPYC 9684X	Xeon 6960P
MSRP	$14756	$9625-35%
Performance per Dollar	8.3	13.6+64%
Release Date	2023	2024

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