EPYC 7542
AMD
PassMark
45,359
MSRP
$3400
AVG Price
$899
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 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.
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 EPYC 7542
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for EPYC 7542 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Deadlock
Destiny 2
Dota 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Fortnite
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of EPYC 7542 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7542 is a 32-core / 64-thread processor based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 7 nm, 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 128 MB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., 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 45,359, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 32C / 64T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.9 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 128 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 | Yes |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 45,359 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7542 fits into the SP3 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 128 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Eight-channel memory at speeds up to 3200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 across 8 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 128 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 Eight-channel |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | 3200 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4096 |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 8 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | SP3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 (Multiprocessor) |
Advanced Features
It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Specification | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ✅ Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Xeon Gold 6248R |
Power & Cooling
The EPYC 7542 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 225 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Premium Server Cooler.
| Specification | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 225 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Premium Server Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $899 (MSRP: $3400), the EPYC 7542 delivers 50 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #241 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $3400 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $899 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $3,400 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #241 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 7 August 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | TSMC |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | AMD EPYC |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $3,400 |
| Manufacturer | TSMC |
| Release Date | 7 August 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 241 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 32 |
| Threads | 64 |
| Die Size | 192 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 96K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total) |
| Multiplier | 29 |
| Max Frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.9 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 4,800 million |
| Process Technology | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 225 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 2 (Multiprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 Eight-channel |
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 204.763 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 4 TiB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for EPYC 7542
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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