AMD EPYC 7663

The AMD EPYC 7663 is a 56-core, 112-thread server processor built on the Zen 3 architecture, codenamed Milan, and occupying the AMD Socket SP3 platform. It is manufactured on a 7 nm process at TSMC, with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. The data places this chip in the 99th percentile of all CPUs benchmarked, indicating top-tier performance within the database, though its average benchmark score of 161,973 is closely matched by several modern rivals.

Benchmark Performance

The EPYC 7663 delivers exceptional multi-threaded throughput, a direct consequence of its 56 physical cores and 112 threads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the processor scores 69,773 points, while in Cinebench R20 multi-core it reaches 29,304 points, and in the older Cinebench R15 multi-core test it achieves 7,032 points. These scores are consistent with a high-core-count part designed for heavily parallel workloads. Single-core performance is more modest, with Cinebench R23 single-core scoring 9,850 points, Cinebench R20 single-core scoring 4,137 points, and Cinebench R15 single-core scoring 992 points. This pattern is typical for a server chip with a 3.50 GHz boost clock, prioritizing core count over raw per-thread speed.

PassMark results reinforce this profile. The multithread score of 82,087 is substantial, while integer math scores 468,096 and floating-point math scores 251,535. More specialized tests show the processor's strengths in data-centric tasks: data compression scores 1,447,020, random string sorting scores 184,367, and extended instructions score 73,719. Data encryption performance is particularly strong at 111,725, reflecting the server-oriented feature set. The find prime numbers score of 676 and physics score of 8,020 are lower, suggesting these specific workloads are not the primary design targets. The single-thread PassMark score of 2,606 is respectable for a server part but not leading-edge.

The average benchmark score of 161,973 places the EPYC 7663 just 0.3% behind the AMD EPYC 9375F, which scores 162,497. This is a negligible difference, effectively putting the two processors in a statistical tie. Conversely, the EPYC 7663 is 0.7% ahead of the AMD EPYC 9355P, which scores 160,853. When compared to older or differently positioned parts, the gap widens: the AMD EPYC 7C13 scores 167,788, putting it 3.5% ahead, and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX scores 171,748, which is 5.7% ahead. These deltas show that while the EPYC 7663 remains competitive, it is not the absolute fastest in its segment, trailing the newer EPYC 7C13 and the high-end Threadripper PRO by a measurable margin.

Power and Thermals

The EPYC 7663 is rated with a TDP of 240 watts. This classifies it as a high-power server processor, requiring a robust cooling solution and a motherboard capable of sustaining that power envelope. The architecture is Zen 3 on a 7 nm process from TSMC, which provides reasonable power efficiency for the era, but the sheer core count drives the thermal output upward. The processor is not multiplier unlocked, so users cannot adjust the clock multiplier to overclock; power and thermal characteristics are effectively fixed by the stock design.

For cooling, a 240W TDP implies a significant thermal solution is necessary. In a server chassis, this typically means high-performance active air coolers with large heatsinks and multiple fans, or liquid cooling solutions in dense rack environments. The eight-chiplet die design, with a die size of 8x 81 mm², spreads heat across a large surface area, which aids in thermal dissipation compared to a single monolithic die. The lack of an integrated graphics solution means all thermal headroom is dedicated to the CPU cores, which is standard for this market segment. Memory support is DDR4 across an eight-channel bus, and the memory bandwidth is rated at 204.8 GB/s, which is sufficient to feed the core count without becoming a bottleneck in most scenarios.

The practical implication of the 240W TDP is that system integrators and data center operators must plan for adequate airflow and power delivery. The processor's boost clock of 3.50 GHz is sustainable only within the thermal limits of the cooling solution; sustained all-core loads will likely result in a clock behavior that balances power draw and temperature, as per the firmware-defined power management. The data shows no power efficiency metrics, so direct efficiency comparisons to rivals are not possible, but the TDP class places it firmly in the high-performance server tier.

Who Should Consider It

The EPYC 7663 is best suited for workloads that can utilize its 56 cores and 112 threads. Multi-threaded rendering in Cinebench R23, where it scores 69,773, is a clear strength, making it a candidate for animation and visual effects studios that render frames in parallel. The data encryption score of 111,725 and data compression score of 1,447,020 indicate strong performance in security-focused tasks, such as SSL/TLS termination, VPN gateways, and encrypted storage systems. The virtualization use case is also compelling, as 112 threads allow a high density of virtual machines, each with dedicated vCPUs.

For office and general productivity workloads, the EPYC 7663 is overkill. The single-thread scores, while adequate, are not competitive with high-clock desktop parts; Cinebench R23 single-core at 9,850 points is far below what a modern high-end consumer chip would achieve. However, for database workloads, the integer math score of 468,096 and the floating-point math score of 251,535 suggest strong number-crunching capabilities. In scientific computing, the extended instructions score of 73,719 indicates solid AVX-512-class support, which is beneficial for simulation and modeling software.

The processor is not for gamers or typical office users. There is no integrated GPU, so a discrete graphics card is mandatory. The 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only) are a major asset for server configurations requiring many NVMe drives, GPUs, or network cards. The eight-channel DDR4 memory bus, with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, supports memory-intensive applications like in-memory databases and large-scale data analytics. The production status is active, and the launch MSRP is $6366, positioning it as a premium server part.

How It Compares

AMD EPYC 9375F: The EPYC 9375F is a newer part with an average score of 162,497, which is 0.3% higher than the EPYC 7663's score of 161,973. This delta is minuscule, meaning the two processors perform nearly identically in aggregate benchmarks. The EPYC 7663 offers similar multi-threaded capability, but the 9375F holds a slight edge, likely due to architectural refinements. The difference is within noise for most workloads, and the choice between them would come down to platform features and availability rather than raw performance.

AMD EPYC 9355P: The EPYC 9355P scores 160,853, which is 0.7% lower than the EPYC 7663. This is another close margin, putting the EPYC 7663 slightly ahead. The 9355P is likely a lower-core-count part, but its per-core performance may be higher; the aggregate average, however, favors the EPYC 7663. For multi-threaded workloads, the EPYC 7663's higher core count gives it a small but measurable advantage over this rival.

AMD EPYC 7C13: The EPYC 7C13 scores 167,788, which is 3.5% higher than the EPYC 7663. This is a more significant gap, indicating that the 7C13 is a faster processor overall. The EPYC 7663 is behind by a margin that will be noticeable in long-running, all-core workloads. The 7C13 likely benefits from a higher boost clock or more efficient architecture, but the EPYC 7663 remains a viable alternative for users who can accept the performance deficit in exchange for other platform features.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX: The Threadripper PRO 3995WX scores 171,748, which is 5.7% higher than the EPYC 7663. This is the largest gap among the nearest rivals, showing that the Threadripper PRO holds a clear performance advantage. The 3995WX is a workstation-focused part, and its higher average score suggests better single-thread or multi-thread performance across the benchmark suite. The EPYC 7663 is positioned as a server chip, so the comparison is relevant for users deciding between a workstation and a server platform, but the EPYC 7663 is not the performance leader in this group.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the AMD EPYC 7663?

A: The AMD EPYC 7663 has 56 cores and 112 threads.

Q: How does the EPYC 7663 perform in multi-threaded Cinebench R23?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the EPYC 7663 scores 69,773 points.

Q: What is the TDP of the EPYC 7663 and what does it imply for cooling?

A: The TDP is 240 watts, which requires a high-performance cooling solution such as a large active air cooler or liquid cooling in a server chassis.

Q: How does the EPYC 7663 compare to the AMD EPYC 9375F in average benchmark score?

A: The EPYC 7663 has an average score of 161,973, which is 0.3% lower than the EPYC 9375F's score of 162,497.

Q: Does the EPYC 7663 have an integrated GPU?

A: No, the EPYC 7663 has no integrated graphics; a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the EPYC 7663?

A: The EPYC 7663 supports DDR4 memory on an eight-channel bus, providing a memory bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s.