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 9655 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 156,110 points. Launch price was $11,852.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9655

#485

Opteron 6212

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113%

#486

Xeon E5-2609 v3

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111%

#487

Xeon Bronze 3106

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111%

#488

Xeon W-3345

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $3319

110%

#489

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX

MSRP: $9999|Avg: $9879.97

110%

#490

Xeon L5609

MSRP: $229|Avg: $229

109%

#491

EPYC 7702P

MSRP: $4425|Avg: N/A

109%

#492

Xeon E5-2640 v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $530

109%

#493

Xeon E3-1245 v3

MSRP: $490|Avg: $490

109%

#494

Xeon w9-3495X

MSRP: $5889|Avg: $6333

108%

#495

Xeon Gold 6336Y

MSRP: $3245|Avg: N/A

107%

#496

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

104%

#497

Xeon Gold 6354

MSRP: $2878|Avg: $2898

103%

#498

Xeon 6960P

MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625

103%

#499

Xeon Gold 6238R

MSRP: $2612|Avg: N/A

101%

#500

EPYC 9655

MSRP: $11852|Avg: $11852

100%

#501

Xeon 6781P

MSRP: $8960|Avg: $8960

100%

#502

Xeon Gold 6338N

MSRP: $3200|Avg: $3200

100%

#503

Xeon Gold 6248R

MSRP: $2700|Avg: N/A

100%

#504

Xeon E5-1428L

MSRP: $480|Avg: N/A

99%

#505

Xeon Gold 6444Y

MSRP: $3622|Avg: N/A

99%

#506

EPYC 8534P

MSRP: $5529|Avg: $5529

99%

#507

EPYC 7663

MSRP: $6366|Avg: $6366

98%

#508

EPYC 9184X

MSRP: $4928|Avg: $3750

97%

#509

Xeon Platinum 8280

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $2940

95%

#510

EPYC 9745

MSRP: $12141|Avg: $10588

94%

#511

Xeon Platinum 8568Y+

MSRP: $6497|Avg: $6497

93%

#512

Xeon E7-8857 v2

MSRP: $3838|Avg: $2995

92%

#513

Xeon E3-1270L v4

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

91%

#514

Xeon E3-1545M v5

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

91%

#515

Xeon E3-1281 v3

MSRP: $555|Avg: $636

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for EPYC 9655 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of EPYC 9655 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The EPYC 9655 is a 96-core / 192-thread processor based on the Turin (2024) architecture, manufactured on a 4 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 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 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 156,110, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,830, while multi-core reaches 29,329.

Specification	EPYC 9655
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	96C / 192T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Turin (2024)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	4 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	80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	12x 70.6 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	99,780 million
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	156,110
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	2,830
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	29,329

🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 9655 fits into the SP5 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 128 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-6000 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 9 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 9655
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
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
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-6000
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	9 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 9655 is primarily designed for Data Center. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: AMD-V, SEV-SNP — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Xeon 6979P.

Specification	EPYC 9655
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Data Center
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V, SEV-SNP
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Xeon 6979P

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The EPYC 9655 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 400 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 9655
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	400 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 $11,852, the EPYC 9655 delivers 13 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #5 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	EPYC 9655
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$11852
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$11852
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$11,852
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#5
Release DateLaunch date	10 October 2024 (1 year ago)
Release Year	2024
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	TSMC