EPYC 73F3 vs Xeon w5-2555X

CPU

GPU

EPYC 73F3

16 Cores32 Thrd240 WWMax: 4 GHz2021

Popular choices:

•••••••••

Xeon w5-2555X

14 Cores28 Thrd252 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024

Popular choices:

•••••••••

Performance Spectrum - CPU

EPYC 73F3

16 / 32

46,103

0.0%

Ryzen 7 5800

Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS

Ryzen 7 7700X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

Xeon w5-2555X

14 / 28

47,638

+3.3%

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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

EPYC 73F3

2021

Why buy it

✅+658.5% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 34 MB).
✅Draws 240W instead of 252W, a 12W reduction.
✅14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2555X across 31 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (46,103 vs 47,638).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 44.6 PassMark/$ ($3,521 MSRP vs $1,069 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2555X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2555X

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.1% higher average FPS across 31 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,452 less on MSRP ($1,069 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Delivers 240.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.6 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($1,069 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (34 MB vs 256 MB).

EPYC 73F3

2021

Xeon w5-2555X

2024

Why buy it

✅+658.5% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 34 MB).
✅Draws 240W instead of 252W, a 12W reduction.
✅14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.1% higher average FPS across 31 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,452 less on MSRP ($1,069 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Delivers 240.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.6 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($1,069 MSRP vs $3,521 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2555X across 31 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (46,103 vs 47,638).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 44.6 PassMark/$ ($3,521 MSRP vs $1,069 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2555X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (34 MB vs 256 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2555X better than EPYC 73F3?

Yes. Xeon w5-2555X is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 13.1% average FPS lead across 31 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon w5-2555X is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 13.1% more average FPS across 31 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon w5-2555X is the better fit. You are getting 3.3% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon w5-2555X is the smarter buy today. Xeon w5-2555X is $2,452 cheaper on MSRP at $1,069 MSRP versus $3,521 MSRP, and it gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 31 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 240.3% better value on MSRP (44.6 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon w5-2555X is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of SP3, and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 16/32. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

EPYC 73F3 Benchmark Check

Xeon w5-2555X Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
1080p
low	200 FPS	323 FPS
medium	159 FPS	294 FPS
high	128 FPS	239 FPS
ultra	98 FPS	202 FPS
1440p
low	166 FPS	285 FPS
medium	128 FPS	232 FPS
high	99 FPS	177 FPS
ultra	78 FPS	156 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	196 FPS
medium	61 FPS	159 FPS
high	48 FPS	121 FPS
ultra	39 FPS	107 FPS

Open EPYC 73F3 Open Xeon w5-2555X

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
1080p
low	510 FPS	626 FPS
medium	446 FPS	519 FPS
high	357 FPS	424 FPS
ultra	290 FPS	384 FPS
1440p
low	418 FPS	517 FPS
medium	375 FPS	450 FPS
high	309 FPS	378 FPS
ultra	244 FPS	326 FPS
4K
low	257 FPS	321 FPS
medium	235 FPS	281 FPS
high	206 FPS	258 FPS
ultra	171 FPS	228 FPS

Open EPYC 73F3 Open Xeon w5-2555X

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
1080p
low	979 FPS	1025 FPS
medium	819 FPS	1191 FPS
high	760 FPS	1136 FPS
ultra	678 FPS	875 FPS
1440p
low	675 FPS	1025 FPS
medium	564 FPS	953 FPS
high	515 FPS	859 FPS
ultra	453 FPS	656 FPS
4K
low	482 FPS	656 FPS
medium	382 FPS	553 FPS
high	338 FPS	494 FPS
ultra	274 FPS	420 FPS

Open EPYC 73F3 Open Xeon w5-2555X

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
1080p
low	1146 FPS	1191 FPS
medium	1015 FPS	1015 FPS
high	873 FPS	982 FPS
ultra	758 FPS	847 FPS
1440p
low	842 FPS	1023 FPS
medium	733 FPS	883 FPS
high	620 FPS	767 FPS
ultra	539 FPS	653 FPS
4K
low	608 FPS	733 FPS
medium	542 FPS	637 FPS
high	471 FPS	562 FPS
ultra	407 FPS	437 FPS

Open EPYC 73F3 Open Xeon w5-2555X

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 73F3 and Xeon w5-2555X

EPYC 73F3

The EPYC 73F3 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 46,103 points. Launch price was $3,521.

Xeon w5-2555X

The Xeon w5-2555X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 252 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 47,638 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 73F3 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w5-2555X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the EPYC 73F3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the EPYC 73F3 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The EPYC 73F3 is built on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. In PassMark, the EPYC 73F3 scores 46,103 against the Xeon w5-2555X's 47,638 — a 3.3% lead for the Xeon w5-2555X. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 73F3 vs 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X.

Feature	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
Cores / Threads	16 / 32+14%	14 / 28
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.8 GHz+20%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	256 MB (total)+659%	33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	—
Process	7 nm+	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Milan (2021−2023)	—
PassMark	46,103	47,638+3%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 73F3 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2555X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 73F3 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X — the Xeon w5-2555X supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 73F3) vs 112 (Xeon w5-2555X) — the EPYC 73F3 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3,C621A (EPYC 73F3) and W790 (Xeon w5-2555X).

Feature	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
Socket	SP3	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	3200	4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	4096	4096
RAM Channels	8	8
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	128+14%	112

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-2555X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 73F3 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362; Xeon w5-2555X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.

Feature	EPYC 73F3	Xeon w5-2555X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

The EPYC 73F3 launched at $3521 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-2555X debuted at $1069. On MSRP ($3521 vs $1069), the Xeon w5-2555X is $2452 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 73F3 delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 44.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2555X — making the Xeon w5-2555X the 109.2% better value option.