AMD EPYC 7282 vs AMD EPYC 7371 Comparison

# AMD EPYC 7371 vs AMD EPYC 7282

The AMD EPYC 7371 and AMD EPYC 7282 are both 16-core, 32-thread server processors on the AMD Socket SP3 platform, but they represent two different generations of AMD's EPYC lineup. The 7371 comes from the EPYC 7001 series (Naples, Zen architecture), while the 7282 is from the EPYC 7002 series (Rome, Zen 2 architecture). Despite the architectural leap, the benchmark data shows the older 7371 consistently edges out the newer 7282 across all Cinebench tests, with margins between 2.1% and 2.2%. The 7371 achieves an average benchmark score of 7568, while the 7282 sits at 7409, placing both processors in the 63rd percentile among all CPUs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are remarkably consistent across all six Cinebench tests, with the AMD EPYC 7371 winning every single benchmark. In Cinebench R15, the 7371 scores 2637 in multi-core versus 2581 for the 7282, a 2.2% advantage. The single-core test shows the same pattern: 372 versus 364, again a 2.2% edge for the 7371. Moving to Cinebench R20, the 7371 posts 10988 multi-core and 1551 single-core, while the 7282 manages 10758 and 1518 respectively, with the 7371 leading by 2.1% in multi-core and 2.2% in single-core.

Cinebench R23 continues the trend. The 7371 delivers 26164 in multi-core and 3693 in single-core, compared to 25616 and 3616 for the 7282. That is a 2.1% margin in both tests. Notably, the 7371 wins all six head-to-head matchups, while the 7282 wins none. The largest single delta is 2.2%, appearing in R15 multi-core, R15 single-core, and R20 single-core. These are narrow but consistent margins, suggesting the 7371's higher clock speeds are sufficient to overcome the architectural advantages of Zen 2.

Looking at the wider competitive landscape, the 7371 sits close to the Intel Core i5-6500, which has an average score of 7569, a 0% delta. The 7282, meanwhile, is nearly tied with the Intel Core i9-9990XE at 7415 (delta -0.1%) and the Intel Core i9-9980XE at 7398 (delta 0.2%). The 7371 also outperforms the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (7578, delta -0.1%) and the Intel Core i5-4590 (7609, delta -0.5%). Both EPYC parts beat the Intel Core i5-7400, with the 7371 ahead by 1.3% and the 7282 behind by 0.8%.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial. The 7371 uses AMD's original Zen architecture, codenamed Naples, built on a 14 nm process by GlobalFoundries. It packs 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. The 7282, by contrast, employs Zen 2, codenamed Rome, manufactured on TSMC's 7 nm process. This newer node integrates 7,600 million transistors across two 74 mm² chiplets, highlighting the fundamental design shift from a monolithic die to a chiplet-based approach.

Cache layouts differ significantly. The 7371 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with a single 64 MB L3 cache shared across all cores. The 7282 reduces L1 to 64 KB per core but keeps the same 512 KB L2 per core. Its L3 is organized as 32 MB per die, totaling 64 MB across the two chiplets. Both processors support DDR4 memory over an eight-channel memory bus, but the 7371 offers 170.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth versus 85.3 GB/s for the 7282. That is a major discrepancy, and it is importantly the 7282's lower bandwidth figure is surprising given its newer architecture.

Clock speeds also set these parts apart. The 7371 runs at a 3.10 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.80 GHz, while the 7282 operates at 2.80 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost. The 7371 carries a 170 W TDP, whereas the 7282 draws only 120 W. PCIe support differs as well: the 7371 provides Gen 3, while the 7282 offers Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only). The 7371 has an unlocked multiplier, but the 7282 is locked. Both are server/workstation parts with ECC memory support, and neither has integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the AMD EPYC 7371 wins everywhere. It outperforms the 7282 in every Cinebench test, whether multi-core or single-core. For workloads that rely on raw Cinebench rendering performance, the 7371 is the better choice. The 2.2% single-core advantage suggests that lightly threaded applications will also favor the 7371, as its higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz versus 3.20 GHz makes a tangible difference.

The 7282 does not win any head-to-head benchmarks. However, its lower 120 W TDP and newer 7 nm process mean it draws less power while delivering nearly the same performance. The 7371's 170 W TDP is 50 W higher, which could matter in dense server environments where thermal and power budgets are tight. The 7282 also brings Gen 4 PCIe support, which the 7371 lacks, potentially offering faster I/O for storage and network cards. But in terms of pure compute benchmarks, the 7282 falls short.

For single-threaded tasks, the 7371's 3.80 GHz boost clock is 0.60 GHz higher than the 7282's 3.20 GHz, explaining the consistent single-core wins. For multi-threaded workloads, the 7371's higher base clock of 3.10 GHz versus 2.80 GHz helps it maintain a lead even with identical core and thread counts. The 7371's larger 170.6 GB/s memory bandwidth may also benefit memory-intensive applications, although the benchmark data here only reflects Cinebench scores.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several key specifications, and these differences explain the benchmark outcomes. The 7371 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz versus 2.80 GHz for the 7282, and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz versus 3.20 GHz. TDP is 170 W for the 7371 and 120 W for the 7282. The architecture changes from Zen (Naples) on a 14 nm process to Zen 2 (Rome) on a 7 nm process, with the foundry shifting from GlobalFoundries to TSMC. Transistor count jumps from 4,800 million to 7,600 million, and die size changes from a single 213 mm² die to two 74 mm² chiplets.

Cache configurations differ in L1 and L3 organization. The 7371 has 96 KB L1 per core, while the 7282 has 64 KB L1 per core. L3 is 64 MB shared on the 7371, but 32 MB per die on the 7282, totaling 64 MB. Memory bandwidth is 170.6 GB/s for the 7371 and 85.3 GB/s for the 7282. PCIe support moves from Gen 3 on the 7371 to Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only) on the 7282. The 7371 has an unlocked multiplier, while the 7282 does not. Release dates are November 15, 2018 for the 7371 and August 6, 2019 for the 7282. The 7282 has a launch MSRP of $650; the 7371 has no listed launch MSRP. Part numbers are PS7371BEVGPAF for the 7371 and 100-000000078 for the 7282.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD EPYC 7371 scores 26164 versus 25616 for the 7282, a 2.1% lead for the 7371.

Q: Does the newer Zen 2 architecture give the 7282 a single-core advantage?

A: No. The 7371 wins all single-core tests, including Cinebench R23 single-core with 3693 against 3616, a 2.1% margin despite the 7282's newer design.

Q: How do the two compare in memory bandwidth?

A: The 7371 offers 170.6 GB/s, while the 7282 provides 85.3 GB/s. That is a major difference favoring the 7371.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The 7371 has a 170 W TDP, while the 7282 is rated at 120 W, making the 7282 more power-efficient on paper.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: Yes, both use AMD Socket SP3, but they belong to different generations (EPYC 7001 series for the 7371, EPYC 7002 series for the 7282).

Q: Which processor supports PCIe Gen 4?

A: Only the 7282 supports PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only). The 7371 is limited to PCIe Gen 3.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the AMD EPYC 7371 outperforms the AMD EPYC 7282 in every benchmark measured. It wins all six head-to-head tests with margins of 2.1% to 2.2%, covering both multi-core and single-core workloads. The 7371's higher base and boost clocks, combined with its larger memory bandwidth, give it a consistent edge despite the 7282's newer Zen 2 architecture and smaller 7 nm process. If raw Cinebench performance is the priority, the 7371 is the clear choice.

The 7282 is not without merit. Its 120 W TDP is substantially lower than the 7371's 170 W, which could reduce cooling requirements and operating costs in dense server deployments. The 7282 also brings PCIe Gen 4 support, offering newer I/O capabilities. Its average benchmark score of 7409 places it near the Intel Core i9-9990XE (7415) and i9-9980XE (7398), while the 7371's 7568 average sits between the Core i5-6500 (7569) and the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX (7578). Both processors occupy the 63rd percentile among all CPUs.

For a builder prioritizing computational performance, the 7371 is the better buy, delivering higher scores across the board. For a builder who values lower power draw and newer PCIe features, the 7282 offers a trade-off, sacrificing 2% to 3% performance for a 50 W reduction in TDP and Gen 4 connectivity. The 7282's locked multiplier versus the 7371's unlocked multiplier may also matter to enthusiasts, though server platforms rarely rely on overclocking. Ultimately, the 7371 wins on performance, while the 7282 counters with efficiency and modern I/O. Choose based on which factor matters more in your specific workload.