EPYC 9745 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

AMD

EPYC 9745

128 Cores256 Thrd400 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2024
EPYC family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

32 Cores64 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper family
·

EPYC 9745 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 9745 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.

EPYC 9745 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 9745

2024

Why buy it

  • +20.6% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB 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 10.8 vs 43.4 PassMark/$ ($12,141 MSRP vs $2,499 MSRP).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +37.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $9,642 less on MSRP ($2,499 MSRP vs $12,141 MSRP).
  • Delivers 302.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 43.4 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($2,499 MSRP vs $12,141 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (108,377 vs 130,698).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (128 MB vs 256 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9970X better than EPYC 9745?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is ahead with a 37.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9745 pulls ahead with 20.6% better PassMark. EPYC 9745 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9745 is the stronger fit. You are getting 20.6% better PassMark, backed by 128 cores and 256 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 128 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 9970X comes in $9,642 cheaper on MSRP at $2,499 MSRP versus $12,141 MSRP, and it still gives you a 37.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 9745 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 20.6% better PassMark. It is also 302.9% better value on MSRP (43.4 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra cache should keep paying off in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

EPYC 9745 vs Ryzen Threadripper 9970X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 9745

The EPYC 9745 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 128 cores and 256 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 130,698 points. Launch price was $12,141.

AMD

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 9745 packs 128 cores / 256 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 9745 has 96 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9745 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X (base: 2.4 GHz vs 4 GHz). The EPYC 9745 uses the Turin (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9745 scores 130,698 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X's 108,377 — a 18.7% lead for the EPYC 9745. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9745 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X.

FeatureEPYC 9745Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
Cores / Threads
128 / 256+300%
32 / 64
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
5.4 GHz+46%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
4 GHz+67%
L3 Cache
256 MB (total)+100%
128 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
3 nm-25%
4 nm
Architecture
Turin (2024)
Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark
130,698+21%
108,377
Cinebench R23 Multi
76,136
Geekbench 6 Single
3,220
Geekbench 6 Multi
29,244
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9745 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 DDR5-6000 on the EPYC 9745 versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X supports 6.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9745 supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9745) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9745) vs 92 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X) — the EPYC 9745 offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9745) and TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X).

FeatureEPYC 9745Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
Socket
SP5
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6000
DDR5-6400+7%
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 9745) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9970X). Primary use case: EPYC 9745 targets Data Center / High Density, Ryzen Threadripper 9970X targets HEDT / Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9745 rivals Xeon 6980P; Ryzen Threadripper 9970X rivals Xeon w7-3465X.

FeatureEPYC 9745Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V, SEV-SNP
AMD-V, SVM
Target Use
Data Center / High Density
HEDT / Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 9745 was priced at $12141, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X came in at $2499. On launch pricing ($12141 vs $2499), Ryzen Threadripper 9970X was $9642 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9745 delivers 10.8 pts/$ vs 43.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X the 120.5% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 9745Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
MSRP
$12141
$2499-79%
Performance per Dollar
10.8
43.4+302%
Release Date
2024
2025

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