Ryzen Threadripper 3960X vs EPYC 7401

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

#1

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

484%

#2

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

457%

#3

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

332%

#4

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

100%

#5

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

79%

#6

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

69%

#7

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

40%

#8

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

39%

#9

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

36%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

36%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

35%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

34%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

34%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

34%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

33%

#16

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

33%

#17

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

32%

#18

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

32%

#19

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

31%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7401

#257

Xeon W-1290

MSRP: $498|Avg: $300

110%

#258

EPYC 9124

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $1083

109%

#260

EPYC 4584PX

MSRP: $1517|Avg: $1517

108%

#261

Xeon w3-2435

MSRP: $669|Avg: $790

108%

#263

Xeon 6710E

MSRP: $1565|Avg: $344

106%

#264

Ryzen 7 PRO 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $180

106%

#266

EPYC 7C13

MSRP: $2000|Avg: $2000

104%

#267

Xeon Gold 6336Y

MSRP: $3245|Avg: N/A

103%

#268

Xeon w5-2565X

MSRP: $1389|Avg: $1389

102%

#269

Xeon Silver 4416+

MSRP: $1186|Avg: $1176

101%

#270

Xeon E-2176G

MSRP: $367|Avg: $405

101%

#271

EPYC 7401

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $450

100%

#274

EPYC 7313

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $764

98%

#275

Xeon w5-2455X

MSRP: $1039|Avg: $1049

97%

#276

Xeon w3-2425

MSRP: $529|Avg: $529

96%

#278

Xeon Gold 5416S

MSRP: $1445|Avg: N/A

95%

#279

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

MSRP: $1149|Avg: $1130

94%

#281

EPYC 7402P

MSRP: $1280|Avg: $1090

93%

#282

Xeon w5-3525

MSRP: $1339|Avg: $1392

92%

#283

Xeon W-1290T

MSRP: $546|Avg: $494

92%

#284

Xeon D-1581

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

89%

#285

Xeon w5-3535X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: N/A

89%

#286

Xeon w5-2465X

MSRP: $1389|Avg: $1499

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X leads in gaming performance. However, the EPYC 7401 is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 0.9% greater multi-core processing power.

Insight	Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	EPYC 7401
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($85)	⚠️ Higher cost ($450)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm)	✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Efficiency: The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X leads not only in performance but also in value. It is effectively 81% cheaper ($85 vs $450) while identifying as the stronger performer.

Insight	Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	EPYC 7401
Cost Efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+424%)	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($85)	⚠️ Higher cost ($450)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X Benchmark Check

EPYC 7401 Benchmark Check

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Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen Threadripper 3960X and EPYC 7401

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 54,763 points. Launch price was $1,399.

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

Both the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X and EPYC 7401 share an identical 24-core/48-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 — a 40% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 7401 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X scores 54,763 against the EPYC 7401's 55,280 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7401. L3 cache: 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	EPYC 7401
Cores / Threads	24 / 48	24 / 48
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+50%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+90%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	128 MB+100%	64 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512K (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Matisse (2019−2020)	Naples (2017−2018)
PassMark	54,763	55,280
Cinebench R23 Multi	34,260	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,270	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the TR4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X versus 2666 on the EPYC 7401 — the EPYC 7401 supports 199.4% 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: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) vs 8 (EPYC 7401). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) vs 128 (EPYC 7401) — the EPYC 7401 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) and SP3 (EPYC 7401).

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	EPYC 7401
Socket	TR4	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	2666+66550%
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+13107100%	2048
RAM Channels	4	8+100%
ECC Support	✅	✅
PCIe Lanes	88	128+45%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3960X) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3960X rivals Core i9-10900X; EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.

Feature	Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	EPYC 7401
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X launched at $1399 MSRP, while the EPYC 7401 debuted at $1500. At current prices ($85 vs $450), the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is $365 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X delivers 644.3 pts/$ vs 122.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7401 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X the 135.9% better value option.