Ryzen 5 5600X vs EPYC 9255
Ryzen 5 5600X
EPYC 9255
Popular choices:
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 9255
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,934) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+313%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,934) |
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 9255
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 9255
The EPYC 9255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 75,809 points. Launch price was $2,495.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the EPYC 9255 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 9255 has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 — a 4.3% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.25 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 9255 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the EPYC 9255's 75,809 — a 110.5% lead for the EPYC 9255. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 24 / 48+300% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.8 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+14% | 3.25 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 128 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Turin (2024) |
| PassMark | 21,845 | 75,809+247% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9255 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 4800 on the EPYC 9255 — the EPYC 9255 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 12 (EPYC 9255). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 128 (EPYC 9255) — the EPYC 9255 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 SP5 (EPYC 9255).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+2184433% | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 12+500% |
| 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. Only the EPYC 9255 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9255). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the EPYC 9255 debuted at $2495. At current prices ($135 vs $1934), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $1799 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 39.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 9255 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 122% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299-88% | $2495 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-93% | $1934 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+313% | 39.2 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2024 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 5 5600X and EPYC 9255
