EPYC 7281
AMD
PassMark
21,621
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 7281 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 21,621 points. Launch price was $650.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for EPYC 7281 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
Hearts of Iron IV
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Rust
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of EPYC 7281 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7281 is a 16-core / 32-thread processor based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 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 21,621, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | EPYC 7281 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 32T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.1 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 | 192 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 | 21,621 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7281 fits into the TR4 socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports DDR4 Eight-channel memory.
| Specification | EPYC 7281 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD EPYC |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | TR4 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 Eight-channel |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 (Multiprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The EPYC 7281 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 7281 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 170 Watt |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #702 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | EPYC 7281 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $650 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #702 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 29 June 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | AMD EPYC |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $650 |
| Release Date | 29 June 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Naples (2017−2018) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 702 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 16 |
| Threads | 32 |
| Die Size | 192 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 96K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total) |
| Multiplier | 21 |
| Max Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 4,800 million |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 170 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 2 (Multiprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 Eight-channel |
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 170.671 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 2 TiB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for EPYC 7281
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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