Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs EPYC 9454
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
EPYC 9454
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 9960X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9454
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,419) | ✅ More affordable ($576) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+133%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,419) | ✅ More affordable ($576) |
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 9960X and EPYC 9454
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 92,808 points. Launch price was $1,499.
EPYC 9454
The EPYC 9454 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.75 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 290 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 87,961 points. Launch price was $5,225.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 9454 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 9454 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X versus 3.8 GHz on the EPYC 9454 — a 33% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.75 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 9454 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X scores 92,808 against the EPYC 9454's 87,961 — a 5.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9454.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+39% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+53% | 2.75 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-20% | 5 nm, 6 nm |
| Architecture | Shimada Peak (2025) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 92,808+6% | 87,961 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 41,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 26,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9454 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 6 TB — 197.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) vs 12 (EPYC 9454). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) vs 128 (EPYC 9454) — the EPYC 9454 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) and SP5 (EPYC 9454).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 GB | 6 TB+500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 12+200% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 88 | 128+45% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 9960X) vs AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9454). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 9960X targets Content Creation / Rendering, EPYC 9454 targets Data Center. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 9960X rivals Xeon w7-3555; EPYC 9454 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V, SEV-SNP |
| Target Use | Content Creation / Rendering | Data Center |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X launched at $1499 MSRP, while the EPYC 9454 debuted at $5225. At current prices ($1419 vs $576), the EPYC 9454 is $843 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X delivers 65.4 pts/$ vs 152.7 pts/$ for the EPYC 9454 — making the EPYC 9454 the 80.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | EPYC 9454 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1499-71% | $5225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1419 | $576-59% |
| Performance per Dollar | 65.4 | 152.7+133% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2022 |
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