AMD EPYC 9135 vs AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Comparison

The AMD EPYC 9135 and AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX are both 16-core, 32-thread processors from AMD, but they target different segments: the EPYC is a server/workstation part, while the Ryzen is a mobile part. In aggregate benchmark scoring, the EPYC averages 83,020 points against the Ryzen's 82,332, a 0.8% lead, and both sit at the 97th percentile of all CPUs. The head-to-head results show 11 wins for the EPYC and 6 for the Ryzen, yet the Ryzen claims several important single-thread and encryption victories.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The EPYC 9135 dominates the Cinebench suite, winning every single- and multi-core test by exactly 8%: R15 multi-core (4952 vs 4584), R15 single-core (699 vs 647), R20 multi-core (20637 vs 19104), R20 single-core (2913 vs 2696), R23 multi-core (49136 vs 45488), and R23 single-core (6936 vs 6421). This consistent 8% margin across all Cinebench iterations indicates a clear architectural advantage in both threaded and lightly-threaded rendering workloads.

Beyond Cinebench, the EPYC posts its largest win in Passmark physics, scoring 6096 against the Ryzen's 2115 — a 188.2% difference. It also wins Passmark find prime numbers by 9.9% (299 vs 272), multithread by 5.7% (57808 vs 54675), random string sorting by 7.4% (92226 vs 85869), and extended instructions by 0.2% (54795 vs 54674). These wins suggest the EPYC excels at integer-heavy, parallelizable tasks and memory-intensive operations.

The Ryzen 9 8940HX fights back in Passmark single-thread, scoring 4033 to the EPYC's 3672, a 9% advantage. It also wins data encryption by 7.9% (44430 vs 40941), data compression by 0.2% (738673 vs 737167), floating point math by 0.7% (125981 vs 125125), and integer math by 0.8% (205945 vs 204258). While these margins are smaller than the EPYC's physics win, they show the Ryzen's higher boost clock and newer mobile architecture deliver tangible benefits in specific workloads.

Overall, the EPYC leads in 11 of 17 head-to-head tests, with the Ryzen taking 6. The EPYC's average benchmark score of 83,020 also edges out the Ryzen's 82,332, and both are listed as nearest rivals to each other with a 0.8% delta in opposite directions.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on different Zen generations and process nodes. The EPYC 9135 uses Zen 5 on a 4 nm TSMC process, while the Ryzen 9 8940HX uses Zen 4 on a 5 nm TSMC process. This node advantage contributes to the EPYC's higher transistor count: 16,630 million versus 13,140 million. Die sizes are nearly identical — 2x 70.6 mm² for the EPYC and 2x 71 mm² for the Ryzen — but the EPYC packs more transistors into a similar area.

Cache configurations differ in L1: the EPYC provides 80 KB per core, while the Ryzen has 64 KB per core. Both share 1 MB L2 per core and 64 MB L3, so the L1 difference is the only cache divergence.

Memory support is a major separator. The EPYC uses a twelve-channel DDR5 memory bus with 576.0 GB/s bandwidth and supports ECC memory. The Ryzen uses a dual-channel DDR5 bus with 83.2 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC support. This is a 6.9x bandwidth advantage for the EPYC, reflecting its server orientation. PCIe connectivity also differs: the EPYC offers Gen 5 with 128 lanes, while the Ryzen provides Gen 5 with 28 lanes. The EPYC has no integrated graphics, whereas the Ryzen includes a Radeon 610M iGPU.

Socket and power envelope are distinct: the EPYC uses AMD Socket SP5 with a 200 W TDP, while the Ryzen uses AMD Socket FL1 with a 55 W TDP. Base clocks differ (EPYC 3.65 GHz vs Ryzen 2.40 GHz), but the Ryzen boosts higher (5.30 GHz vs 4.30 GHz). The EPYC has a locked multiplier; the Ryzen is unlocked. Release dates are also different: the EPYC launched on 2024-10-09, the Ryzen on 2025-04-22. The EPYC carries a launch MSRP of $1214; the Ryzen has no listed launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The EPYC 9135 is the clear winner in multi-threaded and physics-based workloads. Its 8% advantage across all Cinebench tests, combined with a 188.2% lead in Passmark physics and a 5.7% lead in multithread, makes it the stronger choice for rendering, simulation, and other parallel compute tasks. The 9.9% win in find prime numbers and 7.4% in random string sorting further reinforce its dominance in integer-heavy, memory-bound operations. The EPYC's twelve-channel memory and 576.0 GB/s bandwidth provide the headroom for these workloads.

The Ryzen 9 8940HX wins in single-thread performance, posting a 9% higher Passmark single-thread score. It also leads in encryption (7.9%), data compression (0.2%), floating point math (0.7%), and integer math (0.8%). These wins are smaller in magnitude but indicate that the Ryzen's higher boost clock (5.30 GHz) and unlocked multiplier make it more responsive for lightly-threaded, latency-sensitive applications. The Ryzen's lower TDP (55 W vs 200 W) and integrated graphics also position it for mobile productivity, though the benchmark data alone does not quantify power efficiency.

In terms of raw compute, the EPYC's 11-6 win count and higher average score (83,020 vs 82,332) make it the overall performance leader. However, the Ryzen's single-thread advantage and encryption strength suggest it may be better suited for tasks like database encryption or single-core-dependent software, while the EPYC excels at heavy multi-threaded server workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD EPYC 9135 averages 83,020 points, which is 0.8% higher than the Ryzen 9 8940HX's 82,332.

Q: How do they compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The EPYC scores 49,136, beating the Ryzen's 45,488 by 8%.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the EPYC 9135 supports ECC memory; the Ryzen 9 8940HX does not.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The EPYC has a twelve-channel DDR5 bus with 576.0 GB/s bandwidth, while the Ryzen has a dual-channel bus with 83.2 GB/s.

Q: Does either CPU have integrated graphics?

A: The Ryzen 9 8940HX includes a Radeon 610M iGPU; the EPYC 9135 has none.

Q: Which has the higher boost clock?

A: The Ryzen boosts to 5.30 GHz, while the EPYC reaches 4.30 GHz.

The Verdict

The data clearly separates these two processors by intended use. The AMD EPYC 9135 is the superior choice for server and workstation workloads that demand high multi-threaded throughput, massive memory bandwidth, and ECC reliability. Its 8% Cinebench lead, 188.2% physics advantage, and 5.7% multithread win make it the pick for rendering, scientific computing, and virtualization. The EPYC also holds a 0.8% higher average benchmark score and a 97th percentile ranking, matching the Ryzen's percentile but with more total wins.

The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX is the better option for mobile applications where single-thread performance and lower power consumption matter. Its 9% single-thread lead, 7.9% encryption win, and unlocked multiplier appeal to users who prioritize responsiveness in lightly-threaded software or who need an integrated GPU. The Ryzen's 55 W TDP versus the EPYC's 200 W also makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, though this is not directly measured in the benchmarks.

If the workload is heavily parallel and memory-bound, the EPYC 9135 is the clear winner. If the workload is single-threaded or encryption-heavy, the Ryzen 9 8940HX offers a tangible advantage. Both CPUs are active production parts, and the choice should be dictated by platform requirements — Socket SP5 for servers, Socket FL1 for mobile — rather than raw performance alone.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD EPYC 9135 | AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX |

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

| Base Clock | 3.65 GHz | 2.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 200 W | 55 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket SP5 | AMD Socket FL1 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 5 nm |

| Transistors | 16,630 million | 13,140 million |

| Die Size | 2x 70.6 mm² | 2x 71 mm² |

| L1 Cache (per core) | 80 KB | 64 KB |

| Memory Bus | Twelve-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 576.0 GB/s | 83.2 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe Lanes | Gen 5, 128 Lanes | Gen 5, 28 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon 610M |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2024-10-09 | 2025-04-22 |

| Launch MSRP | $1214 | None |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | 100-000001150 | 100-000001849 |