Xeon w7-3555 vs EPYC 7742
Xeon w7-3555
EPYC 7742
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 w7-3555
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7742
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,199) | ✅ More affordable ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+182%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,199) | ✅ More affordable ($800) |
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 w7-3555 and EPYC 7742
Xeon w7-3555
The Xeon w7-3555 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 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 75 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 325 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 67,754 points. Launch price was $2,339.
EPYC 7742
The EPYC 7742 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 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,448 points. Launch price was $6,950.
Processing Power
The Xeon w7-3555 packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the EPYC 7742 offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 7742 has 36 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w7-3555 versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7742 — a 34.1% clock advantage for the Xeon w7-3555 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.25 GHz). The Xeon w7-3555 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7742 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w7-3555 scores 67,754 against the EPYC 7742's 69,448 — a 2.5% lead for the EPYC 7742. L3 cache: 75 MB on the Xeon w7-3555 vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7742.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56 | 64 / 128+129% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+41% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+20% | 2.25 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 75 MB | 256 MB (total)+241% |
| 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 | 67,754 | 69,448+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 17,120 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w7-3555 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7742 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w7-3555 versus 3200 on the EPYC 7742 — the EPYC 7742 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 GB of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w7-3555) vs 128 (EPYC 7742) — the EPYC 7742 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w7-3555) and SP3 (EPYC 7742).
| Feature | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 3200+63900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+104857500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112 | 128+14% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w7-3555 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w7-3555 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Xeon w7-3555) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7742). Direct competitor: Xeon w7-3555 rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX; EPYC 7742 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w7-3555 launched at $2749 MSRP, while the EPYC 7742 debuted at $6950. At current prices ($2199 vs $800), the EPYC 7742 is $1399 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w7-3555 delivers 30.8 pts/$ vs 86.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7742 — making the EPYC 7742 the 95.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3555 | EPYC 7742 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2749-60% | $6950 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2199 | $800-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.8 | 86.8+182% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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