Xeon w5-3525 vs EPYC 7542
Xeon w5-3525
EPYC 7542
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 w5-3525
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7542
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) | ✅ More affordable ($899) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+55%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) | ✅ More affordable ($899) |
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 w5-3525 and EPYC 7542
Xeon w5-3525
The Xeon w5-3525 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 290 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 45,311 points. Launch price was $1,339.
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-3525 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7542 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3525 versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 34.1% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3525 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon w5-3525 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3525 scores 45,311 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 0.1% lead for the EPYC 7542. L3 cache: 45 MB on the Xeon w5-3525 vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+41% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+10% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 45 MB | 128 MB (total)+184% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,311 | 45,359 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-3525 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7542 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon w5-3525 versus 3200 on the EPYC 7542 — the Xeon w5-3525 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: 112 (Xeon w5-3525) vs 128 (EPYC 7542) — the EPYC 7542 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3525) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112 | 128+14% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-3525 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: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-3525) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542). Direct competitor: Xeon w5-3525 rivals Threadripper PRO 7955WX; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-3525 launched at $1339 MSRP, while the EPYC 7542 debuted at $3400. At current prices ($1392 vs $899), the EPYC 7542 is $493 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-3525 delivers 32.6 pts/$ vs 50.5 pts/$ for the EPYC 7542 — making the EPYC 7542 the 43.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1339-61% | $3400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1392 | $899-35% |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.6 | 50.5+55% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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