AMD EPYC 9455P vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Comparison

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the clear performance leader in this matchup, winning 15 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks. Its average benchmark score of 321,753 places it at the 99th percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD EPYC 9455P sits at the same percentile with a lower average of 217,854. The Threadripper holds a 47.7% advantage in average score, though the gap narrows in specific workloads.

The EPYC 9455P wins only two tests: prime number finding and physics calculations. These are notable wins, but they do not offset the Threadripper's dominance across rendering, encryption, compression, and math workloads. For users prioritizing raw single-thread and multi-thread compute, the Threadripper 9980X is the straightforward choice. The EPYC 9455P becomes relevant only for workloads that specifically reward its architecture, particularly physics simulations and prime-number-heavy tasks.

Both processors share the same Zen 5 architecture, 4 nm process node from TSMC, and identical transistor counts of 66,520 million. The Threadripper's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz versus 4.40 GHz, combined with 64 cores versus 48, explains much of its benchmark superiority. The EPYC counters with a twelve-channel memory bus delivering 576.0 GB/s bandwidth, far exceeding the Threadripper's quad-channel 204.8 GB/s, which likely contributes to its physics win.

Architecture Differences

Both chips are built on Zen 5, but they target different platforms. The Threadripper 9980X uses AMD Socket sTR5 and belongs to the 9000 series with the codename Shimada Peak. The EPYC 9455P uses AMD Socket SP5 and belongs to the EPYC 9005 series with the codename Turin. Both use the same 4 nm process from TSMC and share the same die configuration of 8x 70.6 mm².

Core counts differ significantly: the Threadripper has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the EPYC has 48 cores and 96 threads. Cache layouts also diverge. The Threadripper offers 64 KB L1 per core and 1 MB L2 per core, with a 256 MB L3. The EPYC provides 80 KB L1 per core and 1 MB L2 per core, with 256 MB shared L3. The L1 difference is small per core, but the Threadripper's higher core count gives it more total L1 capacity.

Memory support is where the EPYC pulls ahead architecturally. It uses a twelve-channel DDR5 bus with 576.0 GB/s bandwidth, while the Threadripper uses quad-channel DDR5 at 204.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity also favors the EPYC: 128 Gen 5 lanes versus 80 Gen 5 lanes on the Threadripper.

The Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable, while the EPYC is locked. The Threadripper's base clock is 3.20 GHz and boost clock is 5.40 GHz, compared to 3.15 GHz and 4.40 GHz for the EPYC. TDPs also differ: 350 W for the Threadripper, 300 W for the EPYC. The Threadripper is classified as a desktop part, while the EPYC targets server and workstation deployments.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Threadripper 9980X wins every Cinebench test by exactly 31.6%. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 130,529 against 99,206 for the EPYC. Single-core R23 shows 18,427 versus 14,005. The consistent 31.6% delta across all six Cinebench tests indicates a uniform performance advantage, likely driven by the combined effects of higher boost clock and additional cores.

The largest margin comes in PassMark extended instructions, where the Threadripper scores 228,959 versus 137,485, a 66.5% advantage. Data compression shows a 54.2% gap: 2,974,534 versus 1,928,897. Floating point math favors the Threadripper by 56.2%: 559,003 versus 357,783. Integer math shows a 43.8% edge: 872,071 versus 606,239. Data encryption sees a 36.2% advantage: 157,137 versus 115,403.

The EPYC's two wins are substantial. In PassMark find prime numbers, it scores 1,107 versus 769, a 30.5% advantage for the EPYC. In PassMark physics, it scores 17,315 versus 8,001, a 53.8% lead. These results suggest the EPYC's memory bandwidth or other architectural features provide a meaningful edge in specific computational patterns.

The Threadripper also wins multithread by 21.1%: 141,641 versus 116,927. Single-thread tests show the same 21.1% gap: 4,537 versus 3,745. Random string sorting favors the Threadripper by 20.3%: 292,083 versus 242,701.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the AMD EPYC 9455P has 48 cores and 96 threads.

Q: Is the Threadripper faster in every Cinebench test?

A: Yes, the Threadripper wins all six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23, both single and multicore) by exactly 31.6% over the EPYC.

Q: Where does the EPYC 9455P beat the Threadripper?

A: The EPYC wins two PassMark tests: find prime numbers (1,107 versus 769) and physics (17,315 versus 8,001). These represent a 30.5% and 53.8% advantage, respectively.

Q: How do memory bandwidth specs compare?

A: The EPYC 9455P uses a twelve-channel DDR5 bus with 576.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Threadripper 9980X uses quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has an average benchmark score of 321,753. The EPYC 9455P has an average benchmark score of 217,854.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Threadripper 9980X and the EPYC 9455P support ECC memory.

Where Each One Wins

The Threadripper 9980X is the default pick for rendering, content creation, and general high-performance desktop workloads. Its Cinebench scores show a 31.6% advantage across the board, making it superior for 3D rendering, video encoding, and any multi-threaded creative application. The PassMark data compression win of 54.2% and integer math win of 43.8% indicate strong performance in database operations, compilation, and scientific computing. The 66.5% extended instructions advantage suggests the Threadripper is particularly well-suited for workloads that leverage AVX-style instructions, such as machine learning inference and signal processing.

The EPYC 9455P wins in physics calculations by 53.8%, which points to advantages in simulation workloads involving rigid body dynamics, particle systems, or finite element analysis. Its prime number win of 30.5% indicates strength in cryptography and number theory applications. The EPYC's twelve-channel memory bandwidth of 576.0 GB/s makes it attractive for memory-bound server workloads, even though the benchmark data only shows two wins. For server deployments where memory bandwidth and PCIe lane count (128 versus 80) matter more than raw core count, the EPYC has a structural advantage.

The Threadripper's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz gives it a 21.1% single-thread advantage, which benefits applications that cannot fully utilize all cores. The EPYC's lower TDP of 300 W versus 350 W may matter in dense server environments, though this is not reflected in benchmark scores.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the EPYC 9455P has 48 cores and 96 threads. Base clocks are close: 3.20 GHz for the Threadripper versus 3.15 GHz for the EPYC. Boost clocks differ more substantially: 5.40 GHz versus 4.40 GHz. TDP ratings are 350 W and 300 W, respectively.

Socket and platform differ: the Threadripper uses AMD Socket sTR5, the EPYC uses AMD Socket SP5. The Threadripper is unlocked for multiplier adjustment, the EPYC is locked. Cache layouts differ in L1: 64 KB per core versus 80 KB per core. L2 is identical at 1 MB per core, and L3 is 256 MB for both, though described as 256 MB for the Threadripper and 256 MB shared for the EPYC.

Memory channels differ dramatically: quad-channel for the Threadripper versus twelve-channel for the EPYC. Memory bandwidth is 204.8 GB/s versus 576.0 GB/s. PCIe lanes also differ: 80 Gen 5 lanes for the Threadripper versus 128 Gen 5 lanes for the EPYC. The Threadripper's market segment is desktop, while the EPYC targets server and workstation. Release dates are July 29, 2025, for the Threadripper and October 9, 2024, for the EPYC. The Threadripper has a launch MSRP of $4999, and the EPYC has a launch MSRP of $4819.