AMD EPYC 9455P

The AMD EPYC 9455P is a 48-core, 96-thread server processor from the EPYC 9005 series, built on the Zen 5 (Turin) architecture and fabricated on TSMC's 4 nm process. It runs at a base clock of 3.15 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz within a 300 W TDP. The processor holds a 99th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 218063, establishing it as a high-end solution for server and workstation workloads.

Benchmark Performance

In Cinebench R23, the EPYC 9455P scores 99206 in multi-core and 14005 in single-core. The R20 results show 41666 multi-core and 5882 single-core, while R15 yields 9999 multi-core and 1411 single-core. Passmark's multithread score is 116713, with a single-thread score of 3750. The average benchmark score across all tests is 218063, and the processor sits in the 99th percentile of all CPUs.

Against its nearest rivals, the EPYC 9455P leads decisively in average score. It is 11.9% ahead of the Intel Xeon 6741P, 16.2% ahead of the Intel Xeon 6740E, and 17% ahead of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX. The only rival in this group that outpaces it is the AMD EPYC 9634, which holds a 10.7% higher average score. These deltas are derived from the average benchmark scores: the EPYC 9455P's 218063 versus 194901 for the Xeon 6741P, 187718 for the Xeon 6740E, 186447 for the Threadripper PRO 9975WX, and 244274 for the EPYC 9634.

Specific Passmark subtests further illustrate the processor's strengths. Data compression reaches 1932632, integer math 606087, floating point math 358673, and extended instructions 138505. Encryption performance is 115202, physics 16647, and random string sorting 241849. These numbers reflect a processor that excels in heavy computational tasks, though the single-thread score of 3750 in Passmark and 14005 in Cinebench R23 are modest compared to its multi-core output.

Power and Thermals

The EPYC 9455P has a TDP of 300 W, placing it in the high-power segment of server processors. This TDP class demands a robust cooling solution; typical server chassis with high-static-pressure fans and substantial heatsinks are appropriate, while workstation builds may require high-end liquid cooling. The 4 nm process from TSMC helps manage thermal density, but the 300 W envelope remains a significant thermal load. The processor does not include integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 99206 is much larger than the single-core score of 14005, indicating strong scaling across the 48 cores. Passmark's multithread score of 116713 similarly dwarfs its single-thread score of 3750. The processor also delivers high throughput in specific Passmark subtests: integer math at 606087, floating point math at 358673, and data compression at 1932632. These results point to a design optimized for parallel execution, with single-thread performance sufficient for everyday tasks but not the primary selling point.

The base clock of 3.15 GHz and boost clock of 4.40 GHz provide a reasonable single-thread baseline, but the architecture's strength lies in its core count and memory bandwidth. The 256 MB shared L3 cache and twelve-channel DDR5 memory support (576.0 GB/s) further enhance multi-threaded efficiency, allowing data to flow rapidly between cores. For workloads that scale well with thread count—such as rendering, scientific simulation, and database processing—the EPYC 9455P is clearly oriented.

Who Should Consider It

The EPYC 9455P is designed for server and workstation environments where multi-threaded performance is critical. Its 48 cores and 96 threads, combined with a 256 MB L3 cache, make it well-suited for virtualization, large-scale data analytics, and CPU-based rendering. The Passmark encryption score of 115202 and extended instructions score of 138505 indicate strong cryptographic and SIMD performance, benefiting workloads like secure data processing and scientific simulations.

For gaming, the single-thread score of 14005 in Cinebench R23 is respectable, but the high core count and 300 W TDP make it a less practical choice for consumer gaming rigs. Instead, it targets professionals who need massive parallel throughput, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and database workloads. The data compression and integer math scores suggest excellent performance in file compression, code compilation, and other heavily threaded productivity tasks. Office applications that rely on single-thread performance will run adequately, but the processor's value emerges in multi-threaded scenarios.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the EPYC 9455P use?

A: It uses AMD Socket SP5.

Q: What memory types does it support?

A: It supports DDR5 memory with a twelve-channel bus and a bandwidth of 576.0 GB/s, and it includes ECC memory support.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: No, it does not include integrated graphics.

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP is $4819.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?

A: It provides 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU.

Q: What is the release date?

A: It was released on 2024-10-09.

Platform and Compatibility

The EPYC 9455P is built for the AMD Socket SP5 platform, which supports the EPYC 9005 series. It utilizes a twelve-channel DDR5 memory controller with a peak bandwidth of 576.0 GB/s and supports ECC memory. The processor provides 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes directly from the CPU, enabling high-speed connectivity for accelerators, NVMe storage, and networking. As part of the EPYC 9005 series, it is compatible with server motherboards designed for that platform, and its production status is active. The processor does not have an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported. The 4 nm TSMC process and 66,520 million transistors are housed across eight 70.6 mm² chiplets, with a shared 256 MB L3 cache.

How It Compares

Intel Xeon 6741P: The Intel Xeon 6741P has an average benchmark score of 194901, which the EPYC 9455P outperforms by 11.9%. This places the EPYC ahead in overall computational throughput, though the specific workload characteristics may vary.

AMD EPYC 9634: The AMD EPYC 9634 scores an average of 244274, which is 10.7% higher than the EPYC 9455P. The EPYC 9634 offers greater raw performance in this comparison, making it a stronger choice for absolute peak throughput.

Intel Xeon 6740E: The Intel Xeon 6740E averages 187718, with the EPYC 9455P ahead by 16.2%. This is a clear margin, reinforcing the EPYC's position in the mid-to-high server segment.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX averages 186447, and the EPYC 9455P is 17% higher. This substantial lead underscores the EPYC's advantage in multi-threaded server workloads, despite the Threadripper's workstation orientation.