Xeon Gold 5420+ vs EPYC 7552
Xeon Gold 5420+
EPYC 7552
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 Gold 5420+
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7552
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,848) | ✅ More affordable ($1,650) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,848) | ✅ More affordable ($1,650) |
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 Gold 5420+ and EPYC 7552
Xeon Gold 5420+
The Xeon Gold 5420+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,209 points. Launch price was $1,848.
EPYC 7552
The EPYC 7552 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 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 192 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 57,414 points. Launch price was $4,025.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5420+ packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the EPYC 7552 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7552 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5420+ versus 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7552 — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 5420+ (base: 2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5420+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 7552 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5420+ scores 58,209 against the EPYC 7552's 57,414 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 5420+. L3 cache: 52.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 5420+ vs 192 MB (total) on the EPYC 7552.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56 | 48 / 96+71% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+24% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.2 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 52.5 MB | 192 MB (total)+266% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 58,209+1% | 57,414 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5420+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7552 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 5420+ versus 3200 on the EPYC 7552 — the Xeon Gold 5420+ supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 5420+) vs 128 (EPYC 7552) — the EPYC 7552 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 5420+) and SP3 (EPYC 7552).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 5420+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5420+ rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 7552 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 5420+ launched at $1848 MSRP, while the EPYC 7552 debuted at $4025. At current prices ($1848 vs $1650), the EPYC 7552 is $198 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 5420+ delivers 31.5 pts/$ vs 34.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7552 — making the EPYC 7552 the 9.9% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1848-54% | $4025 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1848 | $1650-11% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.5 | 34.8+10% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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