AMD EPYC 7272 vs AMD Ryzen 3 3100U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U and the AMD EPYC 7272 is defined by a striking statistical near-parity in overall average score, yet the individual workload results tell a story of two entirely different processing philosophies. The Ryzen 3 3100U posts an average benchmark score of 6247, while the EPYC 7272 trails narrowly at 6186, a delta of just 1% separating the two. This places the Ryzen 3 3100U 1% ahead of the EPYC 7272 in the aggregate, and the EPYC 7272 correspondingly 1% behind the Ryzen 3 3100U. Both processors sit within a tight cluster of rivals: the Ryzen 3 3100U is 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (6231) and 1.6% behind the Intel Core i9-10920X (6347), while the EPYC 7272 is 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core i9-7940X (6147) and 0.9% ahead of the AMD EPYC 7501 (6128).

The Ryzen 3 3100U’s benchmark results, drawn from the PassMark suite, show a processor optimized for bursty, single-threaded responsiveness. Its single-thread score is 1592, a figure that anchors its performance in lightweight, latency-sensitive tasks. The integer math score of 8873 and floating-point math score of 5854 demonstrate a solid foundation for general arithmetic. Data compression scores an impressive 38455, which is the highest raw number in its entire benchmark portfolio, indicating strong efficiency in memory-bound compression workloads. The data encryption score of 1972 and extended instructions score of 2116 show moderate capability in cryptographic and SIMD-heavy operations. The find prime numbers score of 18 is modest, but the random string sorting score of 4666 suggests capable handling of non-sequential memory access patterns. The multithread score of 3348 reflects its dual-core, dual-thread configuration, and the physics score of 232 aligns with its mobile, low-power positioning.

The EPYC 7272, by contrast, is measured through the Cinebench suite, which stresses sustained multi-core throughput. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 21386 is a towering figure when compared to the Ryzen 3 3100U’s PassMark multithread score of 3348, though the different benchmark suites prevent direct apples-to-apples comparison. The EPYC 7272’s Cinebench R15 multicore score of 2155 and R20 multicore score of 8982 show a processor that scales aggressively with thread count. Its single-core performance, while less dominant, is still respectable: Cinebench R15 single-core scores 304, R20 single-core scores 1267, and R23 single-core scores 3019. The data demonstrates that the EPYC 7272 is not merely a multi-core brute; its single-thread efficiency is competitive, but its true strength lies in parallel workloads.

The deltaPct values from the nearestRivals lists reinforce this split. The Ryzen 3 3100U’s nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, is only 0.3% away in average score, suggesting that the 3100U punches far above its core count in aggregate benchmarks. The EPYC 7272’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i9-7940X, is 0.6% higher, showing that the EPYC 7272 sits comfortably in a high-end workstation segment. The two processors appear as mutual rivals in each other’s lists, with the Ryzen 3 3100U 1% ahead, which is a statistical tie given the different benchmark methodologies.

Architecture Differences

The architectural chasm between the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U and the AMD EPYC 7272 is vast, beginning with their process nodes and extending through every major subsystem. The Ryzen 3 3100U is built on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, codenamed Picasso, and belongs to the Zen+ architecture generation. It integrates 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. The EPYC 7272, in contrast, is fabricated on a 7 nm process at TSMC, codenamed Rome, and uses the Zen 2 architecture. It packs 7,600 million transistors across two 74 mm² dies, for a combined die area of 148 mm². This generational leap from 12 nm to 7 nm explains how the EPYC 7272 can house six times the cores while maintaining a smaller total die footprint.

Core and thread counts diverge dramatically. The Ryzen 3 3100U has 2 cores and 2 threads, with a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The EPYC 7272 has 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The boost clocks are identical, but the EPYC 7272’s higher base clock of 2.90 GHz versus the 3100U’s 1.90 GHz indicates a sustained performance advantage under load. The EPYC 7272 also has a significantly higher TDP of 120 watts versus the Ryzen 3 3100U’s 15 watts, reflecting its server-class power envelope.

Cache hierarchies are structured entirely differently. The Ryzen 3 3100U offers 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The EPYC 7272 provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 32 MB of L3 cache per die, totaling 64 MB of L3 cache. The EPYC 7272’s L3 cache is 16 times larger in total, a critical advantage for server workloads that demand large working sets. Memory support also diverges: both support DDR4, but the Ryzen 3 3100U uses a dual-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth, while the EPYC 7272 uses an eight-channel memory bus with 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The EPYC 7272 supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 3 3100U does not.

PCIe capabilities differ as well. The Ryzen 3 3100U offers PCIe Gen 3, while the EPYC 7272 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics also separate them: the Ryzen 3 3100U includes Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while the EPYC 7272 has no integrated graphics. Sockets are incompatible, with the Ryzen 3 3100U using AMD Socket FP5 for mobile platforms and the EPYC 7272 using AMD Socket SP3 for server platforms. The market segments are explicit: the Ryzen 3 3100U is a Mobile processor, while the EPYC 7272 targets Server/Workstation use.

The Verdict

Who should pick which? The data is unambiguous. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U is a mobile processor built for efficiency and light, interactive workloads. Its 15-watt TDP, integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics, and dual-channel memory make it suitable for laptops and compact devices where power draw is paramount. Its benchmark scores, particularly the data compression result of 38455 and single-thread score of 1592, indicate it handles everyday tasks—browsing, document editing, light media—with adequate responsiveness. Its 62nd percentile ranking among all CPUs, slightly above the EPYC 7272’s 61st percentile, suggests that in the aggregate, it is not a weak performer despite its modest core count.

The AMD EPYC 7272 is the clear choice for server and workstation deployments. Its 12 cores and 24 threads, eight-channel memory bus, 64 MB of L3 cache, and ECC memory support are all hallmarks of a processor designed for virtualized environments, database serving, and compute-intensive scientific workloads. Cinebench R23 multicore score of 21386 demonstrates exceptional parallel throughput. The 120-watt TDP is a trade-off for that performance, but in a server chassis, that is an acceptable cost. The launch MSRP is $625.

For a user who needs a low-power, all-in-one solution for a portable device, the Ryzen 3 3100U is the only rational option. For a data center administrator who needs sustained multi-threaded performance with error-correcting memory, the EPYC 7272 is the obvious pick. The 1% aggregate score difference is meaningless in context; these are not competing products in the same market segment.

Specification Differences

The following table summarizes the key specification differences between the two processors, based solely on the fact pack data.

• Cores: Ryzen 3 3100U has 2; EPYC 7272 has 12.
• Threads: Ryzen 3 3100U has 2; EPYC 7272 has 24.
• Base Clock: Ryzen 3 3100U is 1.90 GHz; EPYC 7272 is 2.90 GHz.
• Boost Clock: Both are 3.20 GHz (identical).
• TDP: Ryzen 3 3100U is 15 watts; EPYC 7272 is 120 watts.
• Socket: Ryzen 3 3100U uses AMD Socket FP5; EPYC 7272 uses AMD Socket SP3.
• Architecture: Ryzen 3 3100U is Zen+ (Picasso); EPYC 7272 is Zen 2 (Rome).
• Process Node: Ryzen 3 3100U is 12 nm at GlobalFoundries; EPYC 7272 is 7 nm at TSMC.
• Transistors: Ryzen 3 3100U has 4,940 million; EPYC 7272 has 7,600 million.
• Die Size: Ryzen 3 3100U is 210 mm²; EPYC 7272 is 2x 74 mm².
• L1 Cache: Ryzen 3 3100U has 96 KB per core; EPYC 7272 has 64 KB per core.
• L2 Cache: Both have 512 KB per core (identical).
• L3 Cache: Ryzen 3 3100U has 4 MB shared; EPYC 7272 has 32 MB per die, 64 MB total.
• Memory Bus: Ryzen 3 3100U is dual-channel; EPYC 7272 is eight-channel.
• Memory Bandwidth: Ryzen 3 3100U is 38.4 GB/s; EPYC 7272 is 85.3 GB/s.
• ECC Memory: Ryzen 3 3100U does not support; EPYC 7272 supports.
• PCIe: Ryzen 3 3100U is Gen 3; EPYC 7272 is Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only).
• Integrated Graphics: Ryzen 3 3100U has Radeon Vega 8; EPYC 7272 has none.
• Market Segment: Ryzen 3 3100U is Mobile; EPYC 7272 is Server/Workstation.
• Release Date: Ryzen 3 3100U is 2026-05-31; EPYC 7272 is 2019-08-06.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U has an average benchmark score of 6247, which is 1% higher than the AMD EPYC 7272’s average score of 6186.

Q: How do the core counts compare?

A: The Ryzen 3 3100U has 2 cores and 2 threads, while the EPYC 7272 has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: The Ryzen 3 3100U offers 38.4 GB/s of memory bandwidth over a dual-channel bus, whereas the EPYC 7272 offers 85.3 GB/s over an eight-channel bus.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the EPYC 7272 supports ECC memory. The Ryzen 3 3100U does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is each processor’s percentile ranking among all CPUs?

A: The Ryzen 3 3100U ranks in the 62nd percentile, and the EPYC 7272 ranks in the 61st percentile.

Q: What are the process nodes for each chip?

A: The Ryzen 3 3100U uses a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, while the EPYC 7272 uses a 7 nm process at TSMC.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U wins in scenarios where power efficiency and integrated functionality are paramount. Its 15-watt TDP makes it ideal for thin-and-light laptops where battery life is critical and active cooling is minimal. The integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic display tasks, simplifying system design. Its data compression score of 38455 indicates strong performance in file archiving and decompression tasks, which are common in mobile productivity use. The single-thread score of 1592 ensures snappy response in UI-driven applications. The 62nd percentile ranking shows it outperforms a majority of CPUs in the database, which is remarkable for a 2-core part. For a user who prioritizes portability, quiet operation, and adequate everyday performance, the Ryzen 3 3100U is the data-backed winner.

The AMD EPYC 7272 wins in every metric that requires massive parallelism, memory capacity, or data integrity. Its 12 cores and 24 threads deliver a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 21386, which is roughly six times its single-core score of 3019, demonstrating excellent scaling. The 85.3 GB/s of memory bandwidth and eight-channel bus support large in-memory databases and high-throughput analytics. ECC memory support is non-negotiable for financial, scientific, or mission-critical server workloads where a bit flip is unacceptable. The 64 MB of L3 cache reduces latency for frequently accessed data. The PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes enables high-speed connectivity for NVMe storage arrays and GPU accelerators. The 61st percentile ranking, while slightly lower than the Ryzen 3 3100U, is achieved with far heavier workloads. For a server administrator deploying virtual machines, running enterprise applications, or processing large datasets, the EPYC 7272 is the unequivocal choice based on the benchmark data.