CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
EPYC 9655
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 9980X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9655
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($4,999) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($11,852) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+116%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($4,999) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($11,852) |
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 9980X and EPYC 9655
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 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: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.
EPYC 9655
The EPYC 9655 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 156,110 points. Launch price was $11,852.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the EPYC 9655 offers 96 cores / 192 threads — the EPYC 9655 has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X versus 4.5 GHz on the EPYC 9655 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 9655 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X scores 142,069 against the EPYC 9655's 156,110 — a 9.4% lead for the EPYC 9655. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,220 vs 2,830, a 12.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 28,666 vs 29,329 (2.3% advantage for the EPYC 9655). L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X vs 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9655.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 96 / 192+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+20% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+23% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total) | 384 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| Architecture | Shimada Peak (2025) | Turin (2024) |
| PassMark | 142,069 | 156,110+10% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 115,098 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,220+14% | 2,830 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 28,666 | 29,329+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9655 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The EPYC 9655 supports up to 9 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 160% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) vs 12 (EPYC 9655). PCIe lanes: 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) vs 128 (EPYC 9655) — the EPYC 9655 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) and SP5 (EPYC 9655).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6000 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1 TB | 9 TB+800% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 12+200% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) vs AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9655). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation, EPYC 9655 targets Data Center. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X; EPYC 9655 rivals Xeon 6979P.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SVM | AMD-V, SEV-SNP |
| Target Use | HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation | Data Center |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X launched at $4999 MSRP, while the EPYC 9655 debuted at $11852. At current prices ($4999 vs $11852), the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is $6853 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 9655 — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 73.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | EPYC 9655 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4999-58% | $11852 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $4999-58% | $11852 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.4+115% | 13.2 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 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 Threadripper 9980X and EPYC 9655
