Ryzen 5 5600X vs EPYC 7663
Ryzen 5 5600X
EPYC 7663
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Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7663
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1154%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,366) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 5600X and EPYC 7663
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
EPYC 7663
The EPYC 7663 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 82,120 points. Launch price was $6,366.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the EPYC 7663 offers 56 cores / 112 threads — the EPYC 7663 has 50 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 3.5 GHz on the EPYC 7663 — a 27.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 7663 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm+). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the EPYC 7663's 82,120 — a 116% lead for the EPYC 7663. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7663.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 56 / 112+833% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+31% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+85% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 256 MB (total)+700% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm+ |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Milan (2021−2023) |
| PassMark | 21,845 | 82,120+276% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,370 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,380 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7663 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The EPYC 7663 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 8 (EPYC 7663). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 128 (EPYC 7663) — the EPYC 7663 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and SP3 (EPYC 7663).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 4096 GB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 128+433% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, EPYC 7663 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 7663 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Server |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the EPYC 7663 debuted at $6366. At current prices ($135 vs $6366), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $6231 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 12.9 pts/$ for the EPYC 7663 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 170.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 7663 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299-95% | $6366 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-98% | $6366 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+1154% | 12.9 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2021 |
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