AMD EPYC 7443 vs AMD Ryzen 5 3501U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a stark contrast between these two processors, though direct head-to-head comparisons are limited by the different test suites recorded for each. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U was evaluated with PassMark tests, while the AMD EPYC 7443 was assessed using Cinebench tests. This means a direct score-to-score comparison is not possible for identical workloads, but the available measurements still tell a clear story about each processor's relative standing.

The Ryzen 5 3501U's average benchmark score of 14320 places it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 with an average score of 14336, which is 0.1% ahead, and the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C at 14277, which trails by 0.3%. The Intel Core 7 160UL scores 14232, 0.6% behind, and the Intel Core i5-10400F scores 14185, 1.0% behind. These margins are extremely tight, indicating that the Ryzen 5 3501U sits in a very competitive cluster of mid-range processors.

In single-thread performance, the Ryzen 5 3501U records a PassMark single-thread score of 2136, identical in both the "single_thread" and "singlethread" entries. Its multithread score of 7071 shows the expected scaling for a 4-core, 4-thread part. The integer math score of 26321 and floating point math score of 12707 reveal a processor that handles arithmetic workloads competently for its class. The data compression score of 87380 stands out as particularly strong, while the find prime numbers score of 21 is notably low, suggesting this workload does not suit the architecture well. The extended instructions score of 3274 and random string sorting score of 10414 round out the PassMark suite.

The EPYC 7443, by contrast, was measured with Cinebench tests. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 48183 is massive, reflecting a 24-core, 48-thread design. The R23 single-core score of 6802 demonstrates that even on a single thread, this server processor holds its own. In Cinebench R20, the EPYC 7443 scores 20236 multicore and 2856 single-core. In the older R15 test, it scores 4856 multicore and 685 single-core. These results place the EPYC 7443 in the 68th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 13936.

The EPYC 7443's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-8750H with an average score of 13868, which is 0.5% behind, and the Intel Core i5-10400 at 14037, which is 0.7% ahead. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX scores 13786, 1.1% behind, while the AMD EPYC 7552 scores 14115, 1.3% ahead. The EPYC 7443's percentile ranking of 68 is remarkably close to the Ryzen 5 3501U's 69th percentile, despite the enormous difference in core counts and intended use cases. This is because the percentile metric includes a wide range of processors, and both parts land in similar territory relative to the full database.

The data shows that the EPYC 7443 dominates in raw throughput, as expected. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 48183 is roughly 6.8 times the Ryzen 5 3501U's PassMark multithread score of 7071, though these are different benchmarks and not directly comparable. The single-core figures tell a different story: the EPYC 7443's R23 single-core score of 6802 versus the Ryzen 5 3501U's PassMark single-thread score of 2136 are also from different test suites, so direct percentage comparisons would be misleading.

What can be stated with confidence is that the EPYC 7443's benchmark results indicate a processor built for sustained, heavily threaded server workloads, while the Ryzen 5 3501U's results show a capable mobile processor whose strengths lie in efficiency and moderate workloads rather than extreme multithreaded performance.

The Verdict

The data points to two completely different purchasing decisions. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is a mobile processor with 4 cores and 4 threads, a 15 W TDP, and integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics. It targets thin-and-light laptops where power efficiency matters more than raw compute. The AMD EPYC 7443 is a server/workstation processor with 24 cores and 48 threads, a 200 W TDP, and no integrated graphics. It targets data centers and enterprise workloads where core count and memory bandwidth are paramount.

Benchmark results indicate that the EPYC 7443 is the clear choice for any application that can utilize many cores. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 48183 demonstrates exceptional parallel performance. The Ryzen 5 3501U, with its PassMark multithread score of 7071, is not in the same league for heavily threaded tasks. However, for mobile users who need a processor that sips power, the Ryzen 5 3501U's 15 W TDP versus the EPYC 7443's 200 W TDP is a decisive factor.

Users should pick the Ryzen 5 3501U if they need a processor for a laptop with integrated graphics, low power consumption, and moderate performance for everyday tasks. The database shows it sits in the 69th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms a majority of processors despite its modest specifications. Users should pick the EPYC 7443 if they need a server processor with massive core counts, ECC memory support, and eight-channel memory bandwidth. Its 68th percentile ranking is almost identical to the Ryzen 5 3501U, but the workload profile is entirely different.

There is no single winner here. The correct choice depends entirely on the use case, and the data supports that distinction clearly.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and process nodes. The Ryzen 5 3501U is based on the Picasso architecture, which is Zen+ (the generation field lists "Ryzen 5 (Zen+ (Picasso))"). It is manufactured on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries. The EPYC 7443 is based on Zen 3, codenamed Milan, and is manufactured on a 7 nm process by TSMC. This process difference is significant: the 7 nm node allows the EPYC 7443 to pack 16,600 million transistors across a die configuration of 4x 81 mm², while the Ryzen 5 3501U contains 4,940 million transistors on a single 210 mm² die.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Ryzen 5 3501U has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The EPYC 7443 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a vastly larger 128 MB of shared L3 cache. The 128 MB L3 cache is a defining feature of the Milan architecture, designed to keep frequently accessed data close to the cores in server workloads. The Ryzen 5 3501U's smaller 4 MB L3 cache is typical for a mobile processor.

The EPYC 7443 supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 5 3501U does not. ECC memory is a critical feature for server reliability, and its absence on the mobile part is expected. The EPYC 7443 also uses an eight-channel memory bus with 204.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth, compared to the Ryzen 5 3501U's dual-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s. This is a 5.3x difference in memory bandwidth, which has profound implications for memory-intensive server workloads.

PCIe support also differs: the Ryzen 5 3501U uses PCIe Gen 3, while the EPYC 7443 uses PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics on the Ryzen 5 3501U is Radeon Vega 8, while the EPYC 7443 has no integrated graphics, as server processors typically rely on discrete or virtualized GPUs.

The production status for both is listed as Active, meaning both are still in production. The release dates differ: the Ryzen 5 3501U has a release date of 2026-05-31, while the EPYC 7443 was released on 2021-03-14. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most obvious difference: the Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the EPYC 7443 has 24 cores and 48 threads. The base clock is 2.10 GHz for the Ryzen 5 3501U and 2.85 GHz for the EPYC 7443. The boost clock is 3.70 GHz for the Ryzen 5 3501U and 4.00 GHz for the EPYC 7443.

The TDP difference is extreme: 15 W for the Ryzen 5 3501U versus 200 W for the EPYC 7443. This directly reflects their intended environments, a laptop chassis versus a server rack. The sockets differ as well: AMD Socket FP5 for the Ryzen 5 3501U and AMD Socket SP3 for the EPYC 7443. These sockets are not interchangeable.

The memory support is DDR4 for both, but the memory bus is dual-channel for the Ryzen 5 3501U and eight-channel for the EPYC 7443. Memory bandwidth is 38.4 GB/s versus 204.8 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported on the Ryzen 5 3501U but is supported on the EPYC 7443.

PCIe generation differs: Gen 3 for the Ryzen 5 3501U and Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only) for the EPYC 7443. Integrated graphics are present on the Ryzen 5 3501U as Radeon Vega 8, while the EPYC 7443 has none. The market segment is Mobile for the Ryzen 5 3501U and Server/Workstation for the EPYC 7443. The launch MSRP for the EPYC 7443 is $2010. The Ryzen 5 3501U has no recorded launch MSRP.

The process node, foundry, transistor count, and die size differ as detailed in the architecture section. The codenames and generations also differ: Picasso for the Ryzen 5 3501U and Milan for the EPYC 7443.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD EPYC 7443 has 24 cores and 48 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U has a TDP of 15 W, while the EPYC 7443 has a TDP of 200 W.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The EPYC 7443 supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 5 3501U does not.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U has an average benchmark score of 14320, and the EPYC 7443 has an average benchmark score of 13936.

Q: What is the process node for each processor?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U is manufactured on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries, while the EPYC 7443 is manufactured on a 7 nm process by TSMC.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U has Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics, while the EPYC 7443 has no integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 5 3501U wins in scenarios that prioritize power efficiency and portability. Its 15 W TDP makes it suitable for laptops where battery life and thermal management are critical. The integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic display tasks. Its 69th percentile ranking among all CPUs shows that despite being a mobile part, it outperforms most processors in the database. The dual-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth is adequate for everyday computing, and the 12 nm Picasso architecture provides a balanced feature set for mobile workloads.

The EPYC 7443 wins in server and workstation environments where core count, memory bandwidth, and reliability features matter most. Its 24 cores and 48 threads deliver exceptional multithreaded performance, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multicore score of 48183. The eight-channel memory bus with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth supports memory-intensive applications like databases and virtualization. ECC memory support ensures data integrity in critical workloads. The 128 MB of shared L3 cache reduces latency for frequently accessed data. PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes provides massive I/O bandwidth for storage and networking expansion.

The Ryzen 5 3501U also wins on compatibility with mobile form factors, using the FP5 socket and DDR4 memory. The EPYC 7443 requires a server platform with the SP3 socket and supports up to 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. For single-threaded tasks, the EPYC 7443's boost clock of 4.00 GHz is higher than the Ryzen 5 3501U's 3.70 GHz, and its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6802 indicates strong per-core performance.

The Ryzen 5 3501U's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546, which is 0.1% ahead in average score, and the Intel Core i5-10400F, which is 1.0% behind. This places the Ryzen 5 3501U in a competitive mid-range segment. The EPYC 7443's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-10400, which is 0.7% ahead, and the AMD EPYC 7552, which is 1.3% ahead. These small margins indicate that the EPYC 7443 is also competitively positioned within its own segment.

In summary, the Ryzen 5 3501U is the choice for mobile computing with low power consumption and integrated graphics. The EPYC 7443 is the choice for server workloads requiring massive parallelism, high memory bandwidth, and ECC reliability. The benchmark data supports both conclusions without ambiguity.