Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs EPYC 7702P
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
EPYC 7702P
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 Threadripper 3970X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7702P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($4,425) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) | ✅ More affordable ($4,425) |
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 Threadripper 3970X and EPYC 7702P
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 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: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.
EPYC 7702P
The EPYC 7702P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 63,692 points. Launch price was $4,425.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 7702P offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 7702P has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7702P — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 7702P uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X scores 62,946 against the EPYC 7702P's 63,692 — a 1.2% lead for the EPYC 7702P. L3 cache: 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7702P.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 64 / 128+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+34% | 3.35 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+85% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB | 256 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 62,946 | 63,692+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 44,510 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,664 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,739 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the TR4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X versus 3200 on the EPYC 7702P — the EPYC 7702P supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7702P supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 8 (EPYC 7702P). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs 128 (EPYC 7702P) — the EPYC 7702P offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) and SP3 (EPYC 7702P).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 3200+79900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+6553500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 128+100% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7702P). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE; EPYC 7702P rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3970X launched at $4491 MSRP, while the EPYC 7702P debuted at $4425.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | EPYC 7702P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4491 | $4425-1% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $4491 | — |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2019 |
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