Ryzen 9 9900X vs EPYC 7401
Ryzen 9 9900X
EPYC 7401
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 9 9900X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7401
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) |
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 9 9900X and EPYC 7401
Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 54,530 points. Launch price was $499.
EPYC 7401
The EPYC 7401 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 55,280 points. Launch price was $1,850.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 9900X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7401 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.6 GHz on the Ryzen 9 9900X versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 — a 60.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 9900X (base: 4.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 9900X uses the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 7401 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 9900X scores 54,530 against the EPYC 7401's 55,280 — a 1.4% lead for the EPYC 7401. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 24 / 48+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz+87% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.4 GHz+120% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-71% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 54,530 | 55,280+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 33,003 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,401 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,756 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 9900X uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7401 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 9 9900X versus 2666 on the EPYC 7401 — the EPYC 7401 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7401 supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs 8 (EPYC 7401). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs 128 (EPYC 7401) — the EPYC 7401 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A620,B650,X670,X870 (Ryzen 9 9900X) and SP3 (EPYC 7401).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 2666+53220% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+13107100% | 2048 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 128+433% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 9900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 9 9900X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 9900X) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401). The Ryzen 9 9900X includes integrated graphics (Radeon 610M), while the EPYC 7401 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 610M | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 9900X launched at $499 MSRP, while the EPYC 7401 debuted at $1500. At current prices ($370 vs $450), the Ryzen 9 9900X is $80 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 9900X delivers 147.4 pts/$ vs 122.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7401 — making the Ryzen 9 9900X the 18.2% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9900X | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-67% | $1500 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370-18% | $450 |
| Performance per Dollar | 147.4+20% | 122.8 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2017 |
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