Xeon 6740E vs EPYC 9255
Xeon 6740E
EPYC 9255
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 Xeon 6740E
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9255
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sierra Forest (2024) / Intel 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,949) | ✅ More affordable ($1,934) |
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 Xeon 6740E and EPYC 9255
Xeon 6740E
The Xeon 6740E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB (per module). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 76,167 points. Launch price was $5,265.
EPYC 9255
The EPYC 9255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3.25 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 75,809 points. Launch price was $2,495.
Processing Power
The Xeon 6740E packs 96 cores / 96 threads, while the EPYC 9255 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon 6740E has 72 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 6740E versus 4.8 GHz on the EPYC 9255 — a 40% clock advantage for the EPYC 9255 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.25 GHz). The Xeon 6740E uses the Sierra Forest (2024) architecture (Intel 3 nm), while the EPYC 9255 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon 6740E scores 76,167 against the EPYC 9255's 75,809 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon 6740E. L3 cache: 96 MB (total) on the Xeon 6740E vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9255.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 96+300% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.8 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.25 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | 96 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (per module)+300% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 3 nm-25% | 4 nm |
| Architecture | Sierra Forest (2024) | Turin (2024) |
| PassMark | 76,167 | 75,809 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon 6740E uses the LGA4710 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9255 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Xeon 6740E versus 4800 on the EPYC 9255 — the Xeon 6740E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9255 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon 6740E) vs 12 (EPYC 9255). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon 6740E) vs 128 (EPYC 9255) — the EPYC 9255 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon 6740E) and SP5 (EPYC 9255).
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4710 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144+50% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, TDX (Xeon 6740E) vs VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9255). Direct competitor: Xeon 6740E rivals EPYC 9005; EPYC 9255 rivals Xeon Platinum 8480+.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, TDX | VT-x, VT-d, SEV-SNP |
Value Analysis
The Xeon 6740E launched at $5265 MSRP, while the EPYC 9255 debuted at $2495. At current prices ($3949 vs $1934), the EPYC 9255 is $2015 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon 6740E delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 39.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 9255 — making the EPYC 9255 the 68.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon 6740E | EPYC 9255 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $5265 | $2495-53% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3949 | $1934-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 19.3 | 39.2+103% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2024 |
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