AMD EPYC 7401P

AMD EPYC 7401P is a 24-core, 48-thread server processor built on the Zen architecture (Naples generation) and fabricated on a 14 nm process by GlobalFoundries. It occupies a specific niche in the EPYC 7001 series lineup, offering a substantial core count with a moderate 2.00 GHz base clock and a 3.00 GHz boost clock. The benchmark data positions this chip within the 65th percentile of all CPUs tested, with an average benchmark score of 5814, placing it in direct competition with a set of diverse processors ranging from workstation Xeons to high-end desktop chips.

Benchmark Performance

The EPYC 7401P delivers a multi-core performance profile that is competitive with its nearest rivals, though the margins are notably thin. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the chip scores 23660 points, which is a strong result for a 24-core part, but the average benchmark score of 5814 is nearly identical to the Intel Xeon E-2388G's 5820, a delta of just -0.1%. This effectively means the two processors are performance equals in aggregate testing, despite the EPYC offering twice the core count of the Xeon. Similarly, the EPYC 7401P edges out the Intel Core i5-13500E by 0.6% (5814 vs 5780) and the Intel Xeon W-2175 by 0.9% (5814 vs 5765), while leading the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X by 1.5% (5814 vs 5730).

Looking at the individual benchmark breakdown, the multi-threaded scores show a consistent pattern. The Cinebench R20 multi-core result of 9937 and Cinebench R15 multi-core of 2384 both reinforce the chip's capability in heavily threaded workloads. The Geekbench multi-core score of 4666, however, is comparatively lower, which may indicate that the EPYC 7401P's performance is particularly sensitive to the memory architecture or instruction set optimizations used in different benchmark suites. The single-core scores — 336 in Cinebench R15, 1402 in R20, and 3340 in R23 — reveal the processor's modest per-thread performance, which is a direct consequence of the 2.00 GHz base clock and the older Zen core design.

The data suggests that the EPYC 7401P's performance advantage comes almost entirely from its core count rather than clock speed. Its 3.00 GHz boost clock is lower than what typical workstation or desktop rivals achieve, but the 24 physical cores allow it to maintain parity with or slightly surpass competitors that rely on higher frequencies with fewer cores. This is a classic trade-off in server processors: throughput via parallelism instead of latency via clock speed.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark results point to specific workload scenarios where the EPYC 7401P excels. For multi-threaded rendering tasks, such as those in Cinebench R23, the 23660 score indicates strong performance for CPU-based rendering in applications like Blender or 3ds Max. The 48 threads allow for efficient parallel processing, making this a viable option for small studios or individual creators who work with complex 3D scenes.

For server and virtualization workloads, the EPYC 7401P's 24 cores and 48 threads provide ample headroom for running multiple virtual machines or containerized applications. The eight-channel DDR4 memory bus with 170.6 GB/s of bandwidth is a critical feature here, as memory-intensive database workloads or high-performance computing tasks benefit significantly from the increased memory throughput compared to dual-channel desktop platforms.

However, the data does not favor this processor for gaming or general desktop use. The single-core Cinebench R23 score of 3340 is far below what modern desktop CPUs achieve, and the Geekbench single-core score of 787 confirms this limitation. Users whose primary workloads are office productivity, web browsing, or gaming would find the EPYC 7401P underperforming in those areas, despite its impressive multi-threaded capability. The chip targets a specific demographic: professionals who run heavily threaded, memory-bandwidth-hungry applications and do not require high per-thread clock speeds.

Platform and Compatibility

The EPYC 7401P uses the AMD Socket SP3 platform, which is the server-oriented socket for the EPYC 7001 series. This socket supports the Naples architecture, and the processor is built on the Zen microarchitecture. Memory support is DDR4 with an eight-channel configuration, providing a memory bandwidth of 170.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is essential for data integrity in server environments where errors can lead to data corruption.

PCIe Gen 3 is the available interface, which was the standard at the time of the chip's release in June 2017. The processor has an unlocked multiplier, meaning it can be overclocked if the motherboard and cooling solution allow it, though this is less common in server platforms. The production status is listed as Active, indicating that the processor is still in production. The part number is PS740PBEVHCAF.

Upgrade path considerations are important here. The SP3 socket platform was used across multiple EPYC generations, so users on this platform may have options to upgrade to newer EPYC processors within the same socket family, depending on motherboard BIOS support. However, the architecture is Zen (Naples), and the process node is 14 nm, which means newer processors on the same socket would offer better power efficiency and performance per clock.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD EPYC 7401P have?

A: The EPYC 7401P has 24 cores and 48 threads, based on the Zen architecture with a 14 nm process node.

Q: What is the base and boost clock speed of this processor?

A: The base clock is 2.00 GHz, and the boost clock is 3.00 GHz.

Q: What memory configuration does the EPYC 7401P support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory with an eight-channel memory bus, providing 170.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory is supported.

Q: How does the EPYC 7401P compare to the Intel Core i5-13500E in average benchmark score?

A: The EPYC 7401P has an average benchmark score of 5814, which is 0.6% higher than the Intel Core i5-13500E's score of 5780.

Q: What is the TDP of the EPYC 7401P?

A: The thermal design power (TDP) is 170 watts.

Q: Is the EPYC 7401P still in production?

A: Yes, the production status is listed as Active, with a release date of June 28, 2017.

How It Compares

The Intel Xeon E-2388G is the closest rival, with an average score of 5820 versus the EPYC 7401P's 5814, a negligible -0.1% difference. This indicates that for mixed workloads, the two processors deliver essentially identical performance. However, the Xeon E-2388G likely achieves this with fewer cores and higher clocks, making it a different trade-off point.

The Intel Core i5-13500E scores 5780, which is 0.6% lower than the EPYC 7401P. This is notable because the i5-13500E is a consumer-oriented chip with far fewer cores, suggesting that the EPYC's 24 cores provide a slight edge in aggregate benchmarks. The comparison highlights the EPYC's advantage in multi-threaded scenarios.

The Intel Xeon W-2175 scores 5765, putting it 0.9% behind the EPYC 7401P. Both are server/workstation processors, but the EPYC achieves its lead through core count while the Xeon W-2175 relies on higher clock speeds. The data shows the EPYC's approach yields a small but measurable benefit.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X scores 5730, which is 1.5% lower than the EPYC 7401P. This is the largest gap among the nearest rivals, and it is notable because the Threadripper is also an AMD product. The Threadripper's desktop-oriented design with fewer cores and higher clocks is slightly outperformed by the server-focused EPYC in average benchmark scores.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The EPYC 7401P exhibits a pronounced split between its single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 3340, while the multi-core score is 23660, a ratio of approximately 7:1, which aligns with the 24-core count. This indicates that the processor scales nearly linearly with core count, a positive sign for parallel workloads.

The single-core performance is limited by the 2.00 GHz base clock and the Zen architecture's IPC, which is older than subsequent AMD and Intel designs. The Geekbench single-core score of 787 and Cinebench R15 single-core score of 336 both confirm this limitation. For tasks that rely heavily on a single thread — such as legacy software, certain game engines, or lightly threaded applications — the EPYC 7401P will perform poorly relative to modern desktop processors.

In contrast, the multi-threaded scores are robust. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 9937 and R15 multi-core of 2384 demonstrate consistent performance across different versions of the benchmark. The implication is that the EPYC 7401P is best suited for workloads that can utilize all 48 threads simultaneously, such as video encoding, scientific simulations, or batch processing. The processor's design philosophy prioritizes throughput over responsiveness, and the benchmark data reflects this trade-off clearly.

Power and Thermals

The EPYC 7401P has a TDP of 170 watts, which classifies it as a high-power server processor. This TDP is typical for a 24-core chip with a 14 nm process node, and it implies that the processor requires a capable cooling solution designed for server sockets. For a standard server chassis, this means a heatsink with a substantial fin stack and a high-CFM fan, or a liquid cooling solution in dense rack configurations.

The 170-watt TDP also has implications for the platform. The Socket SP3 motherboards designed for this processor include robust power delivery systems to handle the sustained power draw, and the eight-channel memory configuration adds additional power requirements for the memory modules. The lack of an integrated GPU means all power is directed to the CPU cores and memory controller.

Given the 14 nm fabrication process and the Zen architecture, the EPYC 7401P's power efficiency is adequate for its era but not exceptional by modern standards. The high core count at a 2.00 GHz base clock suggests that the processor is optimized to run at moderate frequencies to manage thermals, rather than boosting to higher clocks for short bursts. This aligns with server workloads that demand consistent, predictable performance over extended periods. The practical implication is that system builders should allocate adequate airflow and consider the thermal density of the chassis, but the 170-watt TDP is manageable with standard server cooling.