EPYC 7261
AMD
PassMark
11,149
MSRP
$501
AVG Price
$8
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.
Overview
The EPYC 7261 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,149 points. Launch price was $800.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The EPYC 7261 is positioned at rank #592 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 EPYC 7261
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for EPYC 7261 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of EPYC 7261 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7261 is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 32 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 11,149, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 8C / 16T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.5 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Naples (2017−2018) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 96K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 213 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 4,800 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 11,149 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7261 fits into the SP3 socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports DDR4-2666 memory.
| Specification | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD EPYC |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | SP3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2666 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 (Multiprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The EPYC 7261 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 170 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 170 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $8 (MSRP: $501), the EPYC 7261 delivers 1,394 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #592 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1230 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $501 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $8 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #592 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1230 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for EPYC 7261
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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