AMD EPYC 9575F vs Intel Xeon 6980P Comparison

The AMD EPYC 9575F and Intel Xeon 6980P are both flagship server processors, but the recorded benchmark data shows a lopsided contest. The AMD EPYC 9575F wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head tests in the database, with margins that range from a modest 4.8% to a staggering 516.5%. The Intel Xeon 6980P, despite having twice the core count and a larger cache, manages only a single victory in the extended instructions test. This analysis examines the numbers, the architectural context, and the practical implications for workload selection.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most decisive advantage for the AMD EPYC 9575F appears in Cinebench. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD scores 12876 against the Intel’s 6367, a delta of 102.2%. The single-core test tells the same story: 1817 versus 898, a 102.3% lead. Cinebench R20 and R23 follow the pattern exactly, with multicore scores of 53650 vs 26533 and 127739 vs 63175 respectively, each showing a 102.2% advantage for AMD. Single-core R20 and R23 also match, with AMD leading by 102.2% in both. These results indicate that the AMD’s higher base and boost clocks (3.30 GHz and 5.00 GHz versus 2.00 GHz and 3.90 GHz) translate directly into per-thread performance that the Intel cannot match.

Outside Cinebench, the AMD part continues to dominate. PassMark multithread shows 147998 against 74324, a 99.1% lead. The physics test is even more extreme: 20652 versus 3350, a 516.5% delta. This suggests that the AMD’s architecture handles physics simulation workloads with exceptional efficiency. Integer math also favors AMD, with 891817 versus 637476, a 39.9% margin. Prime number finding shows 1215 versus 555, a 118.9% lead. Data compression scores 2773634 against 2364519, a 17.3% advantage, while encryption delivers 162818 versus 125246, a 30% edge. Random string sorting records 348500 versus 240792, a 44.7% gap. Even floating-point math, often a strength for Intel, goes to AMD with 526003 versus 501720, a 4.8% win.

The only test where the Intel Xeon 6980P takes the lead is PassMark extended instructions, scoring 214794 against AMD’s 197484. The delta is -8.1% from AMD’s perspective, meaning Intel is 8.1% ahead. This is a narrow win and likely reflects specific instruction set extensions that Intel implements more efficiently. However, it is the sole bright spot for Intel in the entire head-to-head set.

When comparing the overall average benchmark scores, the AMD EPYC 9575F records 311774, while the Intel Xeon 6980P sits at 251516. Both processors rank in the 99th percentile of all CPUs in the database, but the gap in average score is substantial. For context, the AMD’s nearest rivals are all within a few percentage points: the AMD EPYC 9734 is 0.4% behind, the Intel Xeon 6781P is 1.2% ahead, and the Threadripper parts are 2.8% and 3.1% behind. The Intel Xeon 6980P’s nearest rivals include the AMD EPYC 9634 at 3% behind, the Intel Xeon 6747P at 5.6% behind, but also the EPYC 9684X at 5.8% ahead and the Threadripper 9970X at 10.1% ahead. This places the Intel part in a less favorable position relative to its own competitive set.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the AMD EPYC 9575F is the superior performer for the vast majority of workloads. It wins every Cinebench test, all but one PassMark test, and does so with margins that often exceed 100%. The Intel Xeon 6980P offers more cores (128 versus 64), more threads (256 versus 128), a larger L3 cache (504 MB versus 256 MB), and higher memory bandwidth (614.4 GB/s versus 576.0 GB/s), but these specifications do not translate into benchmark victories. The only area where Intel holds an edge is extended instructions, and that advantage is a modest 8.1%.

For users who prioritize raw compute throughput, single-thread responsiveness, or physics-heavy simulation, the AMD EPYC 9575F is the clear choice. Its average benchmark score is 311774, compared to 251516 for the Intel, and it wins 16 out of 17 tests. The Intel Xeon 6980P might be considered if a specific application relies heavily on the extended instruction set where it wins, but even then, the margin is small and the overall performance deficit is large. The data does not support a recommendation for the Intel part in general-purpose server workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 9575F wins in every category except one. It dominates in Cinebench (R15, R20, R23, both single and multi-core), PassMark multithread, physics, integer math, prime number finding, data compression, encryption, random string sorting, and floating-point math. These wins span synthetic render tests, algorithmic workloads, and memory-intensive operations. The single-thread and multithread PassMark scores (4173 and 147998) are more than double the Intel’s (1681 and 74324), reinforcing the AMD’s efficiency per thread.

The Intel Xeon 6980P wins only in PassMark extended instructions, with a score of 214794 versus 197484. This test likely measures the performance of advanced SIMD or cryptographic instructions. For workloads that are specifically tuned to these instructions, the Intel part offers a narrow advantage. However, this is the only scenario where the Intel CPU outperforms the AMD part in the entire benchmark suite.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher single-thread performance?

A: The AMD EPYC 9575F. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 18033 against the Intel’s 8918, a 102.2% lead. PassMark single-thread also favors AMD with 4173 versus 1681, a 148.2% advantage.

Q: How many cores and threads does each CPU have?

A: The AMD EPYC 9575F has 64 cores and 128 threads. The Intel Xeon 6980P has 128 cores and 256 threads.

Q: Which CPU has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Xeon 6980P has 504 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD EPYC 9575F has 256 MB.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Intel Xeon 6980P supports 614.4 GB/s, while the AMD EPYC 9575F supports 576.0 GB/s. Both use DDR5 with a twelve-channel memory bus.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD EPYC 9575F boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Xeon 6980P boosts to 3.90 GHz.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each?

A: The AMD EPYC 9575F has an average benchmark score of 311774, and the Intel Xeon 6980P has an average of 251516.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The AMD EPYC 9575F uses the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Turin, from the EPYC 9005 series. It is manufactured on a 4 nm process by TSMC, with 66,520 million transistors spread across eight chiplets, each 70.6 mm² in size. The Intel Xeon 6980P uses the Granite Rapids architecture from the Xeon 6 family, manufactured on a 5 nm process by Intel, with three dies of 598 mm² each (no transistor count is recorded). The AMD part has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the Intel part has 128 cores and 256 threads.

Cache hierarchies differ significantly. The AMD EPYC 9575F has 80 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 per core, with 256 MB of shared L3. The Intel Xeon 6980P has 112 KB of L1 and 2 MB of L2 per core, with 504 MB of shared L3. Memory support is DDR5 for both, with twelve channels, but the Intel part provides higher bandwidth (614.4 GB/s vs 576.0 GB/s). Both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity also differs: the AMD offers Gen 5 with 128 lanes, while the Intel offers Gen 5 with 96 lanes. Neither has integrated graphics.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several key specifications. The AMD EPYC 9575F has 64 cores and 128 threads, while the Intel Xeon 6980P has 128 cores and 256 threads. Base clocks are 3.30 GHz for AMD and 2.00 GHz for Intel; boost clocks are 5.00 GHz and 3.90 GHz respectively. TDP is 400 W for AMD and 500 W for Intel. Sockets are different: AMD Socket SP5 versus Intel Socket 7529. The process node is 4 nm for AMD (TSMC) and 5 nm for Intel. Die size is 8x 70.6 mm² for AMD and 3x 598 mm² for Intel. L1 cache per core is 80 KB for AMD and 112 KB for Intel; L2 is 1 MB vs 2 MB; L3 is 256 MB vs 504 MB. Memory bandwidth is 576.0 GB/s vs 614.4 GB/s. PCIe lanes are 128 for AMD and 96 for Intel. Release dates are October 9, 2024 for AMD and September 23, 2024 for Intel. The launch MSRP for the AMD EPYC 9575F is $11791, and for the Intel Xeon 6980P it is $12460.