AMD EPYC 7352 vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data splits sharply along workload lines. The Intel Core 9 273PQE claims 12 of 17 benchmark wins, while the AMD EPYC 7352 takes 5. The most lopsided result is in PassMark single-thread performance: Intel scores 4573 against AMD’s 1979, a 56.7% advantage. That gap reflects the fundamental difference in clock strategy, Intel’s 5.90 GHz boost versus AMD’s 3.20 GHz boost.

In Cinebench, the pattern is consistent across all three versions. The Intel part wins R15 multicore with 3950 versus 3458, a 12.5% margin. R15 single-core shows 557 versus 488, a 12.4% edge. R20 multicore repeats the 12.4% delta, 16459 against 14411. R20 single-core also lands at 12.4%, 2323 versus 2034. R23 multicore delivers 39190 against 34314, again 12.4% ahead. R23 single-core follows with 5532 versus 4844, another 12.4% gap. The uniformity is striking: Intel leads every Cinebench test by roughly 12.4%, regardless of core count or generation of the benchmark.

PassMark multithread favors Intel as well, 46107 versus 40370, a 12.4% win. Physics goes to Intel narrowly, 2754 against 2688, just 2.4% ahead. Integer math sees Intel at 164629 versus 148605, a 9.7% margin. Floating-point math is Intel’s largest non-Cinebench win: 125546 versus 87969, a 29.9% lead.

The AMD EPYC 7352’s wins are concentrated in specialized server-style tasks. Data compression is the closest of its victories: 660712 versus 585752, a 12.8% edge. Data encryption is far more decisive: 44426 versus 29636, a 49.9% advantage. Find prime numbers shows AMD at 301 versus 198, a 52% lead. Random string sorting gives AMD 69231 against 53167, a 30.2% win. Extended instructions are nearly even, with AMD ahead 40203 versus 38743, just 3.8%.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story. AMD’s average is 68118, which places it in the 94th percentile of all CPUs. Intel’s average is 66099, at the 93rd percentile. Despite Intel winning more individual tests, AMD’s overall average is higher, driven by the massive encryption and compression scores.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 9 273PQE is the choice for single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads. Its PassMark single-thread score of 4573 more than doubles AMD’s 1979. Every Cinebench single-core test confirms this dominance, with margins around 12.4%. For rendering, video encoding, or any application that scales with clock speed per core, the data points firmly to Intel. The floating-point math result, 125546 versus 87969, also suggests strong vectorized performance in scientific or media workloads.

The AMD EPYC 7352 wins where memory bandwidth and parallel encryption matter. Its eight-channel DDR4 memory bus delivers 204.8 GB/s, compared to Intel’s dual-channel 89.6 GB/s. That explains the 49.9% encryption advantage and the 30.2% random string sorting win. Data compression, a task that often benefits from large caches and many threads, also goes to AMD by 12.8%. The EPYC’s 128 MB of total L3 cache versus Intel’s 36 MB shared L3 likely contributes to these results.

For multithreaded integer work, Intel still leads in PassMark multithread by 12.4%, despite AMD having 24 cores and 48 threads versus Intel’s 12 cores and 24 threads. This is a notable outcome. The EPYC’s core count advantage does not translate into a win in the general multithread metric, only in the specialized encryption and compression tests.

In physics simulation, the two are nearly tied, with Intel ahead by just 2.4%. For extended instruction sets like AVX or similar, AMD holds a slim 3.8% edge, meaning neither chip has a decisive advantage there.

Architecture Differences

The AMD EPYC 7352 is built on TSMC’s 7 nm process, part of the Zen 2 architecture under the Rome codename. It uses AMD Socket SP3 and contains 24 cores and 48 threads. The chip integrates 15,200 million transistors across a die size of 4x 74 mm². Cache is distributed as 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 32 MB L3 per die, totaling 128 MB. Memory support is DDR4 over an eight-channel bus, providing 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe is Gen 4 with 128 lanes from the CPU. It has no integrated graphics. The launch MSRP is $1350.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE uses Intel’s 10 nm process, under the Bartlett Lake codename. It fits Intel Socket 1700 and offers 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clock is 3.40 GHz with a 5.90 GHz boost. Cache is 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, capping bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s. PCIe is Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are present as UHD Graphics 770. The launch MSRP is $589.

The process node difference, 7 nm versus 10 nm, favors AMD in transistor density, but Intel compensates with a much higher boost clock. The EPYC’s eight-channel memory architecture gives it a 2.3x bandwidth advantage in the recorded specifications. Intel’s PCIe Gen 5 support is newer, but with only 16 lanes versus AMD’s 128 Gen 4 lanes, the server-oriented EPYC is clearly designed for expansion-heavy systems.

The EPYC’s release date is August 2019, while Intel’s is March 2026. Both are marked as Active in production status. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The EPYC targets the server/workstation segment, while Intel is listed as desktop.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split. Pick the Intel Core 9 273PQE for any workload where single-thread speed or floating-point math is the bottleneck. Its 56.7% single-thread lead and 29.9% floating-point advantage are decisive. The uniform 12.4% Cinebench win across all versions indicates consistent rendering performance. Desktop users, content creators, and anyone running physics or integer-heavy applications should favor Intel.

Pick the AMD EPYC 7352 for server-style tasks involving encryption, compression, or large-scale data manipulation. The 49.9% encryption win and 30.2% random string sorting advantage are huge. The 52% lead in prime number finding suggests strong integer throughput in specific algorithmic contexts. The 128 MB total L3 cache and eight-channel memory support make it the better fit for virtualized or database environments.

The overall average benchmark score slightly favors AMD, 68118 versus 66099, and AMD sits one percentile higher at 94 versus 93. But that average is skewed by the encryption outlier. The head-to-head count, 12 wins for Intel versus 5 for AMD, is a more balanced indicator for general use. For most buyers, the Intel part will feel faster in everyday tasks. The EPYC only makes sense if the specific server workloads it excels at are part of the daily routine.

Neither chip is a universal winner. The verdict depends entirely on the workload mix. If the job involves encryption or compression at scale, the EPYC’s memory bandwidth and cache provide a measurable edge. If the job involves rendering, simulation, or general desktop responsiveness, Intel’s clock speed carries the day.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher single-thread score?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE scores 4573 in PassMark single-thread, while the AMD EPYC 7352 scores 1979. Intel leads by 56.7%.

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 multicore scores compare?

A: Intel scores 39190, AMD scores 34314. Intel leads by 12.4%.

Q: Is the AMD EPYC 7352 better at encryption?

A: Yes. In PassMark data encryption, AMD scores 44426 versus Intel’s 29636, a 49.9% advantage.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD EPYC 7352 has an eight-channel bus providing 204.8 GB/s. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has a dual-channel bus providing 89.6 GB/s.

Q: Does the Intel chip have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Core 9 273PQE includes UHD Graphics 770. The AMD EPYC 7352 has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD EPYC 7352 has 24 cores and 48 threads. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads.