AMD EPYC 4484PX vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX Comparison

AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX and AMD EPYC 4484PX are two very different server/workstation processors that nonetheless land within 0.1% of each other in average benchmark score. The Threadripper PRO 5955WX, a 16-core Zen 3 part, edges the 12-core Zen 4 EPYC 4484PX by a razor-thin margin of 46 points (67868 vs 67822). Both sit at the 96th percentile among all CPUs, but their performance profiles could hardly be more distinct. The data shows a clear split: the EPYC wins on raw compute and single-threaded tasks, while the Threadripper dominates in data-heavy enterprise workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where the EPYC 4484PX delivers a 41.6% win (425 vs 248). This is the largest delta in either direction and reflects the EPYC's architectural advantage in integer-heavy, latency-sensitive workloads. The EPYC also wins passmark_physics by a similar margin, scoring 4938 against the Threadripper's 2913, a 41% advantage. These are not incremental gains; they represent a generational leap in per-core efficiency.

In single-threaded performance, the EPYC 4484PX is decisively ahead. PassMark single-thread scores show 4119 versus 3324, a 19.3% lead for the EPYC. This pattern repeats across every Cinebench single-core test: R15 (611 vs 595), R20 (2547 vs 2480), and R23 (6065 vs 5906), each showing a consistent 2.6% advantage for the EPYC. The EPYC's higher boost clock (5.60 GHz vs 4.50 GHz) and newer Zen 4 architecture explain this gap, though the Threadripper's Zen 3 cores are clearly no slouches.

Multi-threaded Cinebench results are remarkably close. The EPYC wins all three multi-core tests—R15 (4330 vs 4217), R20 (18044 vs 17571), and R23 (42964 vs 41837)—but by only 2.6% each time. This is surprising given the Threadripper has 16 cores and 32 threads versus the EPYC's 12 cores and 24 threads. The EPYC's higher base clock (4.40 GHz vs 4.00 GHz) and superior IPC compensate for its 25% core deficit. PassMark multithread follows the same pattern, with the EPYC winning 50547 to 49220 (2.6%).

Where the Threadripper PRO 5955WX fights back is in memory-bandwidth-sensitive and encryption workloads. PassMark data compression shows a 14.5% win for the Threadripper (690994 vs 603371), and data encryption is even better at 16.5% (42524 vs 36499). Integer math also favors the Threadripper by 13.6% (185168 vs 162993), and floating-point math by 8.2% (104377 vs 96446). Extended instructions go to the Threadripper by 8.4% (46952 vs 43315). Random string sorting is nearly a tie, with the EPYC edging ahead by just 2.5% (71642 vs 69879).

The wins tally tells the story: 12 benchmark wins for the EPYC 4484PX versus 5 for the Threadripper PRO 5955WX. Yet the overall average scores are nearly identical because the Threadripper's wins come in tests that carry substantial weight. A 16.5% encryption win and a 14.5% compression win offset several small EPYC victories. The deltaPct values in the nearestRivals data confirm this near-parity: the EPYC trails by just 0.1% in average score, while the Threadripper leads by the same margin.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different generations and design philosophies. The Threadripper PRO 5955WX uses Zen 3 architecture on a 7nm TSMC process, while the EPYC 4484PX is built on Zen 4 with a 5nm TSMC process. The Threadripper packs 16,600 million transistors across four 81 mm² dies, whereas the EPYC uses 17,840 million transistors on two 71 mm² dies. This means the EPYC achieves higher transistor density and efficiency despite having fewer cores.

Cache configurations diverge sharply. The Threadripper has a 64 MB L3 cache, while the EPYC 4484PX features 128 MB of shared L3 cache plus a 64MB 3D V-Cache slice. This massive cache advantage—192 MB total versus 64 MB—is likely a major factor in the EPYC's prime-number and physics test wins. Per-core L2 cache also differs: 512 KB for the Threadripper versus 1 MB for the EPYC. L1 cache is identical at 64 KB per core.

Memory architecture is fundamentally different. The Threadripper PRO 5955WX supports DDR4 with an eight-channel memory bus delivering 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The EPYC 4484PX uses DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 83.2 GB/s bandwidth. This explains the Threadripper's dominance in memory-intensive tasks like compression and encryption—it has 2.46 times the memory bandwidth. The EPYC's lower bandwidth is a deliberate trade-off for its socket and power profile.

PCIe connectivity also differs: the Threadripper provides 128 CPU-only Gen 4 lanes, while the EPYC offers 28 Gen 5 lanes. The Threadripper has no integrated graphics; the EPYC includes Radeon Graphics. Socket compatibility is entirely separate: WRX8 for the Threadripper versus AM5 for the EPYC. Power draw is another differentiator, with the Threadripper rated at 280W TDP versus the EPYC's 120W TDP. The EPYC is the more power-efficient chip, delivering comparable average performance at less than half the TDP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-threaded performance?

A: The AMD EPYC 4484PX is consistently ahead in single-thread workloads. PassMark single-thread scores show 4119 versus 3324 (19.3% advantage), and Cinebench R23 single-core shows 6065 versus 5906 (2.6% advantage).

Q: How do the two compare in multi-threaded rendering?

A: The EPYC 4484PX wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests by 2.6% each: R15 (4330 vs 4217), R20 (18044 vs 17571), and R23 (42964 vs 41837). PassMark multithread also favors the EPYC at 50547 versus 49220.

Q: Which CPU is better for data compression and encryption tasks?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX dominates here. It wins data compression by 14.5% (690994 vs 603371) and data encryption by 16.5% (42524 vs 36499), likely due to its eight-channel memory bandwidth.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Threadripper PRO 5955WX has 16 cores and 32 threads. The EPYC 4484PX has 12 cores and 24 threads. Despite fewer cores, the EPYC wins most multi-threaded benchmarks.

Q: Which processor has more cache?

A: The EPYC 4484PX has significantly more: 128 MB shared L3 plus a 64MB 3D V-Cache slice, versus the Threadripper's 64 MB L3. The EPYC also has 1 MB L2 per core versus 512 KB.

Q: Is there a difference in memory bandwidth?

A: Yes, and it is substantial. The Threadripper PRO 5955WX offers 204.8 GB/s over eight-channel DDR4. The EPYC 4484PX provides 83.2 GB/s over dual-channel DDR5. The Threadripper has 2.46 times the bandwidth.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture of two processors optimized for different priorities. The AMD EPYC 4484PX is the more well-rounded performer, winning 12 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks. It offers superior single-thread speed, better multi-threaded Cinebench scores despite fewer cores, and dominates in prime-number finding (41.6% win) and physics (41% win). Its 192 MB of total cache and 5.60 GHz boost clock make it the pick for latency-sensitive, per-core-dependent workloads. The 120W TDP also positions it as the more power-efficient option.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX is the specialist. Its 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth and 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes make it the choice for memory-bandwidth-bound enterprise tasks. It wins decisively in data compression (14.5%), encryption (16.5%), integer math (13.6%), and floating-point math (8.2%). For virtualization, database workloads, or any task that saturates memory bandwidth, the Threadripper's eight-channel architecture provides a tangible advantage. Its 16 cores and 32 threads also offer more parallel throughput potential in lightly-threaded, high-bandwidth scenarios.

For buyers who need general-purpose compute with excellent single-thread performance and cache-heavy workloads, the EPYC 4484PX is the data-backed choice. For those whose workloads are dominated by memory throughput and encryption/compression pipelines, the Threadripper PRO 5955WX wins where it matters. The 0.1% average score difference (67868 vs 67822) masks these fundamental architectural trade-offs. The EPYC is the better all-rounder; the Threadripper is the better bandwidth specialist.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX | AMD EPYC 4484PX |

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

| Cores | 16 | 12 |

| Threads | 32 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.50 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 280 W | 120 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket WRX8 | AMD Socket AM5 |

| Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 4 |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 5 nm |

| Transistors | 16,600 million | 17,840 million |

| Die Size | 4x 81 mm² | 2x 71 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 128 MB (shared) + 64MB 3D V-Cache |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Eight-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 83.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 128 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 28 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon Graphics |

| Release Date | 2022-03-07 | 2024-05-20 |

| Launch MSRP | N/A | $599 |