Xeon w3-2535 vs EPYC 7302
Xeon w3-2535
EPYC 7302
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 w3-2535
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7302
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($109) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+637%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($109) |
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 w3-2535 and EPYC 7302
Xeon w3-2535
The Xeon w3-2535 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 33,367 points. Launch price was $739.
EPYC 7302
The EPYC 7302 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 33,499 points. Launch price was $978.
Processing Power
The Xeon w3-2535 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the EPYC 7302 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the EPYC 7302 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w3-2535 versus 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7302 — a 32.9% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2535 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon w3-2535 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7302 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w3-2535 scores 33,367 against the EPYC 7302's 33,499 — a 0.4% lead for the EPYC 7302. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,500 vs 19,500 (10.8% advantage for the EPYC 7302). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,254 vs 1,192, a 61.6% lead for the Xeon w3-2535 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,400 vs 10,254 (18.9% advantage for the Xeon w3-2535). L3 cache: 26.25 MB on the Xeon w3-2535 vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7302.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 16 / 32+60% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+39% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+17% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 26.25 MB | 32 MB (total)+22% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 33,367 | 33,499 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,500 | 19,500+11% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,254+89% | 1,192 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,400+21% | 10,254 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w3-2535 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7302 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2535 versus DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7302 — the Xeon w3-2535 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7302 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 2048 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w3-2535) vs 8 (EPYC 7302). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon w3-2535) vs 128 (EPYC 7302) — the EPYC 7302 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w3-2535) and WRX80,SP3 (EPYC 7302).
| Feature | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4400+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB | 4096 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 128+100% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon w3-2535 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w3-2535) vs AMD-V, SEV (EPYC 7302). Primary use case: Xeon w3-2535 targets Workstation, EPYC 7302 targets Server / Multi-thread Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w3-2535 rivals EPYC 7313; EPYC 7302 rivals Xeon Gold 6230.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V, SEV |
| Target Use | Workstation | Server / Multi-thread Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w3-2535 launched at $739 MSRP, while the EPYC 7302 debuted at $978. At current prices ($800 vs $109), the EPYC 7302 is $691 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w3-2535 delivers 41.7 pts/$ vs 307.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7302 — making the EPYC 7302 the 152.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2535 | EPYC 7302 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739-24% | $978 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $800 | $109-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.7 | 307.3+637% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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