AMD EPYC 7473X vs AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 Comparison

The AMD EPYC 7473X and AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 occupy opposite ends of the compute spectrum, despite sharing a manufacturer, process node, and even a percentile ranking. The EPYC 7473X is a 24-core, 48-thread server behemoth built for sustained multi-threaded throughput, while the V2546 is a 6-core, 12-thread embedded part with integrated graphics and a 35 W TDP. Benchmark data shows a complete sweep for the EPYC part across all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, yet the two chips serve fundamentally different deployment scenarios.

Where Each One Wins

The EPYC 7473X wins every single benchmark contest recorded in the comparison, but the magnitude of those wins tells the real story. In multi-core workloads, the EPYC 7473X scores 5,078 in Cinebench R15 multi-core versus 827 for the V2546 — a 514% advantage. The same pattern holds in R20 multi-core (21,162 vs 3,446, +514.1%) and R23 multi-core (50,388 vs 8,207, +514%). This is a processor designed for server virtualization, database workloads, and compile farms where core count and cache capacity translate directly into throughput.

The V2546’s wins are not in raw performance but in platform characteristics. It integrates Radeon Graphics 384SP, which the EPYC 7473X lacks entirely. Its 35 W TDP versus 240 W means it can operate in fanless or passively cooled embedded systems, industrial PCs, and edge gateways. The V2546 also uses the AMD Socket FP6, a mobile/embedded platform, versus the SP3 socket of the EPYC, which requires a full server motherboard. The data shows the V2546 has a launch MSRP of null, meaning no official price point was recorded, while the EPYC was launched at $3900.

For single-threaded performance, the EPYC still leads by a wide margin: 716 vs 116 in R15 single-core (+517.2%), 2,987 vs 486 in R20 single-core (+514.6%), and 7,113 vs 1,158 in R23 single-core (+514.2%). This is notable because the V2546 has a higher base clock (3.00 GHz vs 2.80 GHz) and boost clock (3.95 GHz vs 3.70 GHz), yet the EPYC’s Zen 3 architecture and 768 MB of shared L3 cache overwhelm the clock speed advantage. The V2546 does win on efficiency per watt by extension, though no efficiency metric is in the data.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split is stark. The EPYC 7473X uses Zen 3 architecture under the Milan-X codename, manufactured on TSMC’s 7 nm process with 33,200 million transistors spread across 8x 81 mm² dies. The V2546 uses Zen 2 architecture under the Renoir codename, also on TSMC’s 7 nm process, but with 9,800 million transistors on a single 156 mm² die. The transistor count difference reflects the EPYC’s 24 cores versus the V2546’s 6 cores.

Cache configuration is the most dramatic differentiator. The EPYC 7473X has 768 MB of shared L3 cache — a figure that dwarfs the V2546’s 8 MB shared L3. Both have identical per-core L1 (64 KB) and L2 (512 KB) caches, but the EPYC’s massive L3 is what enables its single-threaded dominance despite lower clocks. The V2546 compensates with higher base and boost clocks but cannot overcome the cache deficit.

Memory and I/O further separate the two. The EPYC supports DDR4 over an eight-channel memory bus with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, while the V2546 uses dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. PCIe generation and lane counts differ: the EPYC provides Gen 4 with 128 lanes, while the V2546 provides Gen 3 with 20 lanes. Both support ECC memory, which is expected for server and embedded parts. The EPYC has no integrated graphics; the V2546 includes Radeon Graphics 384SP.

Release timing also matters. The EPYC 7473X launched on 2022-03-21, over a year after the V2546’s 2020-11-09 release. Both remain in active production status. The EPYC’s part number is 100-000000507​WOF100-000000507​, while the V2546 uses 100-000000246. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The six head-to-head Cinebench results all favor the EPYC 7473X with remarkably consistent deltas. Cinebench R15 multi-core: EPYC scores 5,078 vs 827, a 514% lead. R15 single-core: 716 vs 116, a 517.2% lead. R20 multi-core: 21,162 vs 3,446, a 514.1% lead. R20 single-core: 2,987 vs 486, a 514.6% lead. R23 multi-core: 50,388 vs 8,207, a 514% lead. R23 single-core: 7,113 vs 1,158, a 514.2% lead.

The near-uniform delta percentages across both single- and multi-core tests suggest the EPYC’s advantage is architectural rather than workload-specific. The 768 MB L3 cache likely explains why single-core scores show the same ~514-517% gap as multi-core scores. The V2546’s higher clocks do not translate into any benchmark win.

In broader context, the EPYC 7473X holds a 69th percentile rank among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 14,574. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon 6315P (identical average score, 0% delta), AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (0.1% behind), and Intel Core i5-9600K (0.2% behind). The V2546 also holds a 69th percentile rank with an average score of 14,336, placing it just 0.1% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and 0.4% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C.

The V2546 has additional PassMark benchmarks not recorded for the EPYC, including data compression (136,097), data encryption (8,046), extended instructions (8,799), find prime numbers (22), floating point math (18,534), integer math (30,739), multithread (9,656), physics (441), random string sorting (13,926), and single thread (1,609). These scores are not comparable to the EPYC because no equivalent EPYC data exists in the pack.

FAQ

Q: Why does the EPYC 7473X win single-core benchmarks despite lower clock speeds?

A: The EPYC 7473X has a 2.80 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost, both lower than the V2546’s 3.00 GHz base and 3.95 GHz boost. However, the EPYC’s 768 MB shared L3 cache versus 8 MB on the V2546 provides a massive data locality advantage that overcomes the clock deficit, yielding a 517.2% lead in R15 single-core.

Q: Which processor has better memory bandwidth?

A: The EPYC 7473X supports eight-channel DDR4 with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. The V2546 supports dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. The EPYC offers four times the memory channels and four times the bandwidth.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: Only the V2546 includes integrated graphics — specifically Radeon Graphics 384SP. The EPYC 7473X has no integrated graphics, which is typical for server processors that rely on discrete GPUs.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The EPYC 7473X has a TDP of 240 W, while the V2546 has a TDP of 35 W. This 205 W difference directly impacts cooling requirements and deployment form factors.

Q: How do their PCIe capabilities differ?

A: The EPYC 7473X provides PCIe Gen 4 with 128 lanes. The V2546 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 20 lanes. This means the EPYC supports significantly more high-speed peripherals and newer interconnect technology.

Q: Are both processors still in production?

A: Yes, both the EPYC 7473X and the V2546 have a production status of "Active." The EPYC launched on 2022-03-21, while the V2546 launched earlier on 2020-11-09.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear division of roles. The EPYC 7473X is the choice for any workload where raw compute throughput is paramount — server virtualization, database processing, scientific computing, or build servers. Its 514% multi-core advantage in Cinebench R23 (50,388 vs 8,207) and 768 MB L3 cache make it a dominant force for multi-threaded applications. The 240 W TDP and SP3 socket require a proper server platform, but the performance justifies that infrastructure.

The V2546 is the choice for embedded and edge deployments where power efficiency and platform integration matter more than absolute performance. Its 35 W TDP allows passive cooling in industrial enclosures, and the integrated Radeon Graphics 384SP eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in display applications. The dual-channel memory and 20 PCIe Gen 3 lanes are sufficient for I/O-light workloads like network appliances, kiosks, or ruggedized PCs.

The 69th percentile ranking for both parts is coincidental but telling — each is a median performer within its respective market segment. The EPYC 7473X’s nearest rivals are other server and desktop parts like the Intel Xeon 6315P and Intel Core i5-9600K, while the V2546 competes with low-power mobile chips like the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and Intel Core 7 160UL. Neither part is a flagship, but both deliver solid mid-tier performance in their niches.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD EPYC 7473X | AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 |

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

| Cores | 24 | 6 |

| Threads | 48 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.80 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.95 GHz |

| TDP | 240 W | 35 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket SP3 | AMD Socket FP6 |

| Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 2 |

| Codename | Milan-X | Renoir |

| Transistors | 33,200 million | 9,800 million |

| Die Size | 8x 81 mm² | 156 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 768 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Eight-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 128 Lanes | Gen 3, 20 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon Graphics 384SP |

| Release Date | 2022-03-21 | 2020-11-09 |

| Launch MSRP | $3900 | null |

| Part Number | 100-000000507​WOF100-000000507​ | 100-000000246 |