AMD EPYC 7272 vs AMD EPYC 7401P Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a consistent outcome across every Cinebench test in the head-to-head comparison: the AMD EPYC 7401P wins all six recorded benchmarks. The margin is remarkably uniform, with the EPYC 7272 trailing by roughly 9.5% to 9.6% in every single test. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the EPYC 7401P scores 2384 against 2155 for the EPYC 7272, a delta of -9.6% from the perspective of the 7272. The single-core R15 test shows the same pattern: 336 versus 304, a -9.5% delta.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore result is 9937 for the 7401P and 8982 for the 7272, again a -9.6% gap. The single-core R20 test mirrors this: 1402 versus 1267, a -9.6% delta. In Cinebench R23, the multicore scores are 23660 for the 7401P and 21386 for the 7272, with the same -9.6% delta. The R23 single-core test closes the set at 3340 versus 3019, a -9.6% delta. The uniformity of these deltas suggests the performance difference is systemic, not workload-specific.

The average benchmark score from the database tells a slightly different story. The EPYC 7272 has an average score of 6186, while the EPYC 7401P averages 5814. This is notable because the 7272's average is higher despite losing every head-to-head Cinebench test. The explanation lies in the benchmark mix: the 7401P has additional Geekbench results in its record (4666 multicore, 787 singlecore), which pull its average down, while the 7272's average is computed only from its six Cinebench scores. This discrepancy highlights the importance of comparing like-for-like tests rather than aggregate averages alone.

Looking at the nearest rivals in the database, both CPUs sit at the 61st percentile among all CPUs. The EPYC 7272's closest competitor is the Intel Core i9-7940X, with a delta of 0.6% (the 7272 is slightly ahead), and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, where the 7272 trails by -0.7%. The EPYC 7401P's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E-2388G, with a 0.2% lead, and the AMD EPYC 7451, where the 7401P trails by -1.7%. These figures place both chips in a similar performance tier, despite the head-to-head results favoring the 7401P.

Where Each One Wins

The EPYC 7401P wins every Cinebench test recorded in the head-to-head comparison. This includes all three generations of Cinebench (R15, R20, R23) and both single-core and multicore variants within each. The advantage is consistent at approximately 9.5% to 9.6% across the board. This makes the 7401P the clear choice for any workload that relies on Cinebench-style rendering performance, which typically stresses both single-threaded and multi-threaded CPU capabilities.

The EPYC 7272, while losing all six head-to-head tests, does not show a single recorded win. However, its average benchmark score of 6186 exceeds the 7401P's 5814. This is a database artifact due to the 7401P including Geekbench scores, which are lower relative to its Cinebench results. If a user only considers Cinebench performance, the 7272 is consistently behind. If a user looks at the overall average across all recorded tests, the 7272 appears ahead, but this is misleading because the test sets differ.

For single-core workloads specifically, the 7401P leads by 9.5% in R15, 9.6% in R20, and 9.6% in R23. This suggests the 7401P's architecture, despite being older, delivers higher per-thread performance in these tests. The 7272's Zen 2 architecture does not translate into a single-core advantage in the recorded data. For multi-core workloads, the 7401P's 24 cores versus 12 cores likely contribute to its lead, though the delta is similar to single-core, indicating that clock speed and IPC differences may be the dominant factors rather than core count alone.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations of AMD's EPYC line. The EPYC 7272 is from the EPYC 7002 series, built on Zen 2 architecture with the codename Rome. It uses a 7 nm process node manufactured by TSMC, with 7,600 million transistors across a die size of 2x 74 mm². The EPYC 7401P is from the EPYC 7001 series, built on the original Zen architecture with the codename Naples. It uses a 14 nm process node from GlobalFoundries, with 4,800 million transistors on a single 213 mm² die.

Core and cache configurations differ substantially. The EPYC 7272 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the EPYC 7401P has 24 cores and 48 threads. The 7272's L1 cache is 64 KB per core, L2 is 512 KB per core, and L3 is 32 MB per die with a total of 64 MB. The 7401P's L1 is larger at 96 KB per core, L2 is the same 512 KB per core, and L3 is 64 MB shared across the chip. The base clock of the 7272 is 2.90 GHz with a boost of 3.20 GHz, while the 7401P has a base clock of 2000.00 (2.00 GHz) and a boost of 3.00 GHz. The 7401P has a higher TDP at 170 watts versus 120 watts for the 7272.

Memory support is DDR4 for both, with eight-channel memory buses. However, the memory bandwidth differs: the 7272 supports 85.3 GB/s, while the 7401P supports 170.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe support also differs: the 7272 offers Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only), while the 7401P offers Gen 3 without a lane count specified in the data. The 7401P has an unlocked multiplier, while the 7272 does not.

The release dates show a two-year gap: the 7272 launched on 2019-08-06, while the 7401P launched on 2017-06-28. The 7272 has a recorded launch MSRP of $625, while the 7401P has no launch MSRP in the database. Both are marked as Active in production status and target the Server/Workstation market segment.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD EPYC 7401P has 24 cores and 48 threads, while the AMD EPYC 7272 has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the performance gap in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The EPYC 7401P scores 23660, and the EPYC 7272 scores 21386. The 7401P leads by 9.6%.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The EPYC 7272 has a boost clock of 3.20 GHz, while the EPYC 7401P has a boost clock of 3.00 GHz.

Q: How does memory bandwidth compare?

A: The EPYC 7401P supports 170.6 GB/s, double the 85.3 GB/s of the EPYC 7272.

Q: Which CPU is newer?

A: The EPYC 7272 was released on 2019-08-06, while the EPYC 7401P was released on 2017-06-28.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the EPYC 7272 and the EPYC 7401P support ECC memory.

The Verdict

The data points to the EPYC 7401P as the stronger performer in Cinebench workloads. It wins all six head-to-head tests with a consistent 9.5% to 9.6% margin. For users prioritizing rendering performance as measured by Cinebench, the 7401P is the clear choice. Its higher core count (24 versus 12) and double memory bandwidth (170.6 GB/s versus 85.3 GB/s) likely contribute to its multi-threaded advantage, while its higher single-core scores (e.g., 3340 versus 3019 in R23) show it also leads in per-thread performance despite a lower boost clock.

The EPYC 7272, however, should not be dismissed. Its 7 nm process node and Zen 2 architecture are newer, and it has a lower TDP (120 watts versus 170 watts) and a higher boost clock (3.20 GHz versus 3.00 GHz). Its average benchmark score of 6186 is higher than the 7401P's 5814, though this is partly due to the 7401P's inclusion of Geekbench scores. For users who value energy efficiency and a more modern manufacturing process, the 7272 has merits. Its PCIe Gen 4 support with 128 lanes is also a forward-looking feature not present in the 7401P's Gen 3 support.

The verdict depends on the priority. For raw Cinebench performance, the 7401P wins outright. For a more modern platform with lower power draw and newer PCIe capabilities, the 7272 is viable, but the recorded benchmarks show it trailing in every tested workload. The 61st percentile ranking for both CPUs indicates they are comparable in the broader CPU landscape, but the head-to-head data is unambiguous: the 7401P is faster in Cinebench.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD EPYC 7272 | AMD EPYC 7401P |

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

| Series | EPYC 7002 series | EPYC 7001 series |

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 24 | 48 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 | 2000.00 (2.00 GHz) |

| Boost Clock | 3.20 | 3.00 |

| TDP | 120 | 170 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen |

| Codename | Rome | Naples |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | 7,600 million | 4,800 million |

| Die Size | 2x 74 mm² | 213 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 32 MB (per die), 64 MB total | 64 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 85.3 GB/s | 170.6 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 128 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Release Date | 2019-08-06 | 2017-06-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $625 | null |

| Multiplier Unlocked | false | true |

| Part Number | 100-000000079 | PS740PBEVHCAF |