EPYC 9654
AMD
PassMark
119,246
MSRP
$11805
AVG Price
$5345
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 9654 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 360 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 119,246 points. Launch price was $11,805.
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 9654
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for EPYC 9654 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
League of Legends
Naraka: Bladepoint
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Stardew Valley
Starfield
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of EPYC 9654 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9654 is a 96-core / 192-thread processor based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture, manufactured on a 5 nm, 6 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 384 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 1 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 119,246, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,250, while multi-core reaches 20,000.
| Specification | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 96C / 192T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 5 nm, 6 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 384 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 12x 72 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 78,840 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 119,246 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,250 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 20,000 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9654 fits into the SP5 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 128 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 6 TB across 12 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD EPYC |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | SP5 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 128 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 6 TB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 12 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | SP5 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
The EPYC 9654 is primarily designed for Data Center. Virtualization: AMD-V, SEV-SNP — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Xeon 8592+.
| Specification | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Data Center |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V, SEV-SNP |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Xeon 8592+ |
Power & Cooling
The EPYC 9654 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 360 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: Server Grade Air/Liquid.
| Specification | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 360 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Server Grade Air/Liquid |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $5,345 (MSRP: $11805), the EPYC 9654 delivers 22 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #20 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $11805 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $5345 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $11,805 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #20 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 10 November 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| 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 | $11,805 |
| Manufacturer | TSMC |
| Release Date | 10 November 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 20 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 96 |
| Threads | 192 |
| Die Size | 12x 72 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total) |
| Multiplier | 24 |
| Max Frequency | 3.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 78,840 million |
| Process Technology | 5 nm, 6 nm |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 360 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 2 |
Memory
3 specs
Memory
3 specs
| RAM Types | DDR5-4800 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 460.8 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 6 TiB |
Our Recommendation for EPYC 9654
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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