Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs EPYC 7401
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
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 Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7401
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) | ✅ More affordable ($450) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+190%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,340) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Threadripper PRO 9945WX and EPYC 7401
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 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: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.
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 Threadripper PRO 9945WX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7401 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7401 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401 — a 57.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 4.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the EPYC 7401 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX scores 56,854 against the EPYC 7401's 55,280 — a 2.8% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 24 / 48+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+80% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz+135% | 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 | Shimada Peak (2025) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 56,854+3% | 55,280 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7401 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX versus 2666 on the EPYC 7401 — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 82.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 2048 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 128 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) and SP3 (EPYC 7401).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+140% | 2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 2048 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7401). Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545; EPYC 7401 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX launched at $1340 MSRP, while the EPYC 7401 debuted at $1500. At current prices ($1340 vs $450), the EPYC 7401 is $890 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX delivers 42.4 pts/$ vs 122.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7401 — making the EPYC 7401 the 97.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | EPYC 7401 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1340-11% | $1500 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1340 | $450-66% |
| Performance per Dollar | 42.4 | 122.8+190% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2017 |
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