AMD EPYC 4484PX vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a clear split: the AMD EPYC 4484PX dominates in Cinebench single-core and one multi-core test, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D wins the majority of the workload categories. Out of 15 head-to-head comparisons, the EPYC takes 3 wins and the Ryzen takes 12.

The most dramatic difference appears in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the EPYC scores 6065 against the Ryzen's 2053, a lead of 195.4%. This is not a marginal gap; it indicates that the EPYC's single-thread performance is roughly triple that of the Ryzen in this specific test. Similarly, in Cinebench R15 single-core, the EPYC wins 611 to 326, an 87.4% advantage. These results suggest that for lightly threaded tasks relying on raw single-core speed, the EPYC is the decisive choice.

However, the Ryzen fights back in multi-core Cinebench R15, scoring 5974 versus the EPYC's 4330, a 27.5% margin. The EPYC does recover in Cinebench R23 multi-core, winning 42964 to 36291, an 18.4% lead. This inconsistency between the two Cinebench multi-core tests is notable. The R23 result favors the EPYC, while the R15 result heavily favors the Ryzen, likely reflecting different scaling behaviors under sustained versus shorter multi-thread loads.

In the Passmark suite, the Ryzen wins every category. The largest margins are in floating point math and extended instructions, both at 26% ahead. Integer math follows at 23.9%, data compression at 23.1%, random string sorting at 22.8%, and data encryption at 22.5%. The Ryzen also leads in multithread (19%), find prime numbers (14.1%), physics (2.3%), and single-thread (0.7%). The single-thread Passmark gap is tiny, 4146 versus 4119, which stands in stark contrast to the massive Cinebench single-core deltas. This suggests that Passmark's single-thread test does not stress the same microarchitectural paths as Cinebench's.

Overall, the average benchmark score tells a similar story: the EPYC sits at 67822 versus the Ryzen's 65914. The EPYC's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX, scores 67868, a delta of only -0.1%, meaning the EPYC is essentially tied with that processor. The Ryzen's nearest rival, the Intel Core 9 273PQE, scores 66099, a delta of -0.3%, also a near tie. Both chips are at the top of their respective peer groups, but the EPYC holds a slightly higher average score.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Zen 4 architecture with the Raphael codename, using TSMC's 5 nm process node. They share the same transistor count of 17,840 million and the same die size of 2x 71 mm². The cache configuration is identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, 128 MB of shared L3, and a 1x 64MB 3D V-Cache slice. Memory support is also the same, with DDR5, dual-channel bus, and 83.2 GB/s of bandwidth. Both support ECC memory and include integrated Radeon Graphics.

The core counts differ: the EPYC has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Ryzen has 16 cores and 32 threads. This explains the Ryzen's wins in thread-heavy Passmark tests. Base clocks are close, with the EPYC at 4.40 GHz and the Ryzen at 4.20 GHz. Boost clocks are nearly identical, 5.60 GHz for the EPYC and 5.70 GHz for the Ryzen. The EPYC's higher base clock and same architecture likely contribute to its single-core wins, as does the fact that the Ryzen's results in Cinebench single-core are anomalously low relative to its boost clock.

The PCIe lane count differs: the EPYC provides 28 lanes (CPU only) of Gen 5, while the Ryzen provides 24 lanes. Socket is the same, AM5. The market segments differ, with the EPYC aimed at Server/Workstation and the Ryzen at Desktop. The multiplier is locked on the EPYC but unlocked on the Ryzen. Release dates are about 16 months apart, with the Ryzen launching in January 2023 and the EPYC in May 2024.

The 3D V-Cache slice is present on both, which is unusual for a server part. The EPYC's 128 MB L3 plus the 64 MB V-Cache slice gives it a total large cache footprint, but the Ryzen has the same configuration. The performance differences therefore stem from core count, clock strategy, and possibly binning for server workloads versus desktop workloads.

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward choice based on workload. For single-threaded performance, the AMD EPYC 4484PX is the clear winner. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6065 is 195.4% higher than the Ryzen's 2053, and its R15 single-core score is 87.4% higher. Any application that is latency-sensitive or relies on one or two fast cores will benefit from the EPYC.

For multi-threaded throughput in Passmark, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the winner. It has 16 cores versus 12, and it wins all Passmark multi-thread categories, including multithread (62383 versus 50547) and integer math (214089 versus 162993). The Ryzen also wins data compression, encryption, extended instructions, floating point, prime numbers, physics, random string sorting, and single-thread by a hair.

The Cinebench R23 multi-core result favors the EPYC, 42964 versus 36291, which complicates a simple verdict. But given that the Ryzen wins the majority of the other multi-thread tests, the overall multi-core picture leans toward the Ryzen. The EPYC's average benchmark score is higher (67822 versus 65914), but that is driven by its exceptional single-core results and the Cinebench R23 multi-core win.

The choice comes down to this: if the workload is dominated by single-threaded responsiveness or specific server tasks that reward high clocks, the EPYC is the pick. If the workload is broad multi-threaded processing, especially in the Passmark suite, the Ryzen is the pick. The EPYC's server market segment and 28 PCIe lanes also matter for workstation builds that need more expansion.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD EPYC 4484PX | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 12 | 16 |

| Threads | 24 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.70 GHz |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

| Generation | EPYC (Zen 4 Raphael) | Ryzen 9 (Zen 4 Raphael) |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 28 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 24 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Multiplier | Locked | Unlocked |

| Release Date | 2024-05-20 | 2023-01-03 |

| Launch MSRP | $599 | $699 |

| Part Number | 100-000001482 | 100-000000908 |

All other specifications, including socket, architecture, process node, foundry, transistors, die size, cache, memory support, bandwidth, ECC, and integrated graphics, are shared between the two.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the AMD EPYC 4484PX has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the largest single-core performance gap?

A: In Cinebench R23 single-core, the EPYC scores 6065 versus the Ryzen's 2053, a 195.4% lead for the EPYC.

Q: Which chip wins in Passmark multithread?

A: The Ryzen wins Passmark multithread with 62383 versus the EPYC's 50547, a 19% advantage.

Q: Do both processors have the same cache configuration?

A: Yes, both have 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, 128 MB shared L3, and a 1x 64MB 3D V-Cache slice.

Q: Which chip has more PCIe lanes?

A: The EPYC has 28 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen has 24 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only).

Q: Are both processors on the same socket?

A: Yes, both use AMD Socket AM5.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 4484PX wins in single-threaded Cinebench tests and in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Its single-core scores are 87.4% and 195.4% higher than the Ryzen's in R15 and R23 respectively. For applications that are bottlenecked by a single thread, such as certain database operations, legacy software, or lightly threaded server workloads, the EPYC provides a substantial speed advantage. The 18.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core also suggests it handles sustained multi-thread rendering tasks well, despite having fewer cores.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D wins in all Passmark categories, including the major throughput tests. Its 16 cores deliver 19% higher multithread scores, 23.9% higher integer math, and 26% higher floating point math. Data compression is 23.1% faster, encryption is 22.5% faster, and extended instructions are 26% faster. The Ryzen also wins in physics (2.3%) and single-thread Passmark (0.7%), though the latter is negligible. For content creation, scientific computing, and general desktop multi-tasking, the Ryzen's extra cores provide a measurable edge.

The average benchmark scores place the EPYC slightly higher overall (67822 versus 65914), but this is skewed by the EPYC's extreme single-core advantage. The Ryzen's wins are more numerous and cover a broader range of workloads. If the choice is between a server/workstation part with a locked multiplier versus a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier, and both are on AM5, the Ryzen offers more flexibility for overclocking, while the EPYC offers more PCIe lanes and a server-grade positioning. The data does not show a single universal winner; it shows two distinct tools for different jobs.