Threadripper vs Epyc — Which AMD is best for professional workstations?
August 30, 2021
Josh Covington
Threadripper PRO vs Epyc – what’s the difference? Though only a few years ago, AMD seemed to have been relegated to the bargain bin, they now have two excellent options for high demand workstation users, HEDTs, and HPCs. For these users, which is the best choice?
Ryzen Threadripper Pros
With up to 64 total processing cores, Threadripper is primarily positioned as a workstation platform, best suited for high demand applications like video, professional VFX, and rendering. Some of the benefits include:
- Core Frequency – Unlike most high core count processors, Threadripper runs a single core Boost speed of 4.3-4.5GHz vs around 3.2 for Epyc. This gives it the advantage in both heavily threaded applications like Media & Entertainment, but also single threaded applications like CAD and architecture.
- Official Windows Support – Since Epyc is primarily a datacenter platform, you’ll typically find compatible motherboards without official Windows 10 or 11 support. That’s not to say you can’t run Windows desktop version on an Epyc workstation – we’ve been doing it for years on our HD360A – but rather it takes some additional knowhow to properly install working drivers. Since Threadripper is a desktop platform with full Windows driver support, it will not require any additional knowledge.
AMD Epyc Pros
Epyc is mainly known as a server platform, but because of its high core count, scalability, and overall higher I/O bandwidth, we’re seeing many users running applications like Machine Learning and scientific simulations turn to the platform. Here are some of those key benefits for that user:
- RAM Density/Channels – Dual socket Epyc motherboards will support up to 4TB of RAM in 8 channels, vs. 1TB with Threadripper PRO.
Though the extreme majority of users will never need 1TB+, that’s a huge benefit for those that do. - ECC Support – The Threadripper PRO architecture does support ECC memory, but as an enterprise solution, Epyc’s ECC support is a bit more robust.
- Scalability/Core Count –Threadripper PRO supports only a single socket, but most Epycs support dual CPU configurations, doubling the number of potential cores to 128 and threads to 256 (and even more on the newest 4th Gen Epyc processors) as well as increasing PCIe lanes and I/O capacity. This level of scalability is critical for the most CPU intensive applications or simulations.
Threadripper vs Epyc – Which Should Professionals Use?
The answer depends on the specific use case. Epyc’s efficiency and scalability along with AMD’s Infinity Guard security features make it a better fit for servers than most workstation applications. In most cases, Threadripper, with its higher core frequency and official Windows support, is best for traditional workstation users and applications.
That’s not to say that some professional workstation users won’t see specific benefits with Epyc over Threadripper though. For users looking for high RAM density solutions of 1TB+ that are highly threaded enough to benefit from more than 128 threads – applications like Design and Simulation, Machine Learning, Weather, Research/Academia, and Computational Fluid Dynamics – there may be enough performance benefit to outweigh the additional expense of Epyc. But for all other workstation users in the Media & Entertainment, Architecture, Engineering & Design, or similar verticals, Threadripper PRO just has too many benefits to ignore.
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Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in various Marketing, PR, and Sales related roles. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all Direct and Retail sales as well as Marketing activities.
He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.
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AMD Threadripper vs. Threadripper Pro vs. Epyc: What’s the Difference?
Ryzen CPUs are all the rage these days, but if 16 cores somehow aren’t enough for you and you’re willing to pay more, AMD has other options on the table for you. If you want to go bigger, Threadripper or Epyc chips are the best options.
The differences between both lineups, though, can be occasionally confusing. After all, both use similar sockets. But in reality, they have different targets—and as a result, slightly different features.
What is the difference between Threadripper, Threadripper Pro, and Epyc?
Threadripper: A Pro User’s Best Tool
If Ryzen is for consumers, Threadripper (also known as Ryzen Threadripper) is also for consumers, except for a different kind.
Threadripper is a CPU aimed at enthusiasts that need a CPU that can absolutely shred multi-core workloads. It’s positioned for the high-end desktop (HEDT) market, and while it’s not positioned specifically at workstations—more on that later—it is also a great fit for them.
The first Threadripper chips were launched in 2017, and since then, the lineup has met a few important milestones. With the Threadripper 2000 lineup, we got 32-core chips, and in 2019, with Threadripper 3000, that number doubled once again, and we got a 64-core, 128-thread CPU that’s still fairly unique for many tasks to this day.
Threadripper 3000 chips use the TRX40 socket. Their HEDT nature means that we also often see motherboards aimed at gaming PCs for them—they’re not the best fit for a gaming-only PC, but if you’re doing both heavy work and occasional gaming, you might as well get those RGB lights while you’re at it. They also support 64 PCI Express lanes and up to 256GB of quad-channel RAM.
They also have a TDP of 280W, so they can get toasty.
The Threadripper lineup, notably, hasn’t seen a new entry since 2019, when Threadripper 3000 was introduced. Those are based on Zen 2, which is now an older architecture. Zen 3 Threadripper chips never actually graced the market (even though they were worked on), and we remain to see if we’ll see Zen 4 ones anytime soon.
Threadripper Pro: Powering the Best Workstations
Image Credits: AMD
As mentioned before, regular Threadripper chips aren’t exactly geared towards workstations. If you want to put together a workstation, you should look at the Threadripper Pro lineup instead.
The Threadripper Pro lineup was first introduced with the 3000 series, actually releasing a fair bit later than the standard Threadripper chips. It was refreshed with the 5000 series, and Zen 3, in 2022. They’re similar to the Threadripper lineup in performance and power consumption, but they come with a few added changes that make them a better fit for workstations.
For example, you have 128 PCI Express lanes instead of the 64 lanes in standard Threadripper chips. You can also put up to 2TB of octa-channel RAM if you go Pro, whereas the non-Pro chips only support up to 256GB of quad-channel RAM. They have an identical TDP, though, at 280W.
Threadripper Pro chips actually use a different socket than regular Threadripper chips, the sWRX8 socket. It looks identical to TRX40 but uses a different pin layout, so TRX40 chips won’t work on an sWRX8 socket and vice versa.
Epyc: Better for Servers
Image Credits: AMD
Enthusiasts had their moment, but what if you need a chip for an enterprise workstation? Well, for those, you go Epyc.
Epyc chips are very similar to Threadripper CPUs, except that they’re SoCs rather than bare CPUs. Motherboards don’t have a chipset or controllers, and the CPU is doing all the heavy lifting. Other than that, though, they have relatively similar silicon to Threadrippers, the same number of cores, and so on.
As for actual differences, an Epyc chip is more comparable to a Threadripper Pros in its feature set. They support 2TB of octa-channel memory and 128 PCI Express lanes. However, they’re a little more laid back in terms of the punch they provide. For example, they run at a notably lower clock speed than Threadripper, barely hitting above 3.0GHz. And likewise, their TDP is also often lower, although not always.
Epyc chips use yet another socket, SP3. This ensures these SoCs can only be used on server/enterprise motherboards instead of the motherboards you would use for a Threadripper (since, after all, they’re SoCs rather than only CPUs).
Threadripper CPUs are often based on Epyc designs since those normally launch first. As such, if you want to have a good guess as to where the Threadripper series is heading next, looking at the most recent Epyc launches can give you a clue on that.
Threadripper vs. Threadripper Pro vs. Epyc: Which Should You Buy?
It’ll depend on what you want or need.
Something that we should clarify, yet again, is that there’s no need for most people to go Threadripper/Epyc. Regular Ryzen chips, like the Ryzen 7000 lineup, should be plenty powerful for most people, even if you need a lot of cores—the Ryzen 9 7950X, for example, has 16 cores.
At the time of writing, AMD has yet to launch new, non-Pro Threadripper chips since 2019. Unless you’re okay with using Zen 2 in 2022 (which is still okay, but for a new chip, you probably have better options), we recommend the Threadripper Pro instead. It’s the sweet spot for most people and actually combines the best of Threadripper and Epyc into a single package.
If you’re using them in an enterprise context, though, you’d be much better off with Epyc. Sure, it might run a little slower, but in your context, you probably don’t need that extra speed. Plus, Epyc also has enterprise features you probably need.
Epyc for Servers, Threadripper for Everyone Else
Unless you need Epyc’s enterprise-only features or you’re setting up an AMD server, the way to go for most people is Threadripper.
They run faster, and there are no downsides. If you have a HEDT/workstation and you need a lot of cores, it’s probably your best option.
While most folks will be okay with standard Ryzen chips, we understand why someone would need to go bigger, so definitely do your research.
0026 vs 95.37GB/s
225W vs 280W
8 vs 4
4000GB vs 512GB
- 28.89% higher CPU speed?
64 x 2.9GHz vs 64 x 2.25GHz - Smaller 7nm semiconductors?
7nm vs 14nm - Has unlocked multiplier?
- 0.9GHz higher turbo clock speed?
4.3GHz vs 3.4GHz - 35700million more transistors?
39500M vs 3800M - 19.95% higher Cinebench R20 score (multi-core)?
24763 vs 20644 - 24.
37% better than Cinebench R20 (single core)? nine0024 495 vs 398 - 1.66x higher Geekbench 5 multi-core result?
24898 vs 15005
Which comparisons are the most popular?
AMD Epyc 7742
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Intel Xeon Platinum 9282
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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Intel Core i9-10980XE
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7h22
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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Apple M1 Ultra
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7713
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7642
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990x
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AMD RYZEN 9 3950X
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7763
AMD Ryzen Threadripper
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000 AMD RY95WX
AMD Epyc 7742
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Intel Xeon Gold 6252
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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Apple M1
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7301
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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Intel Core i9-13900K
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7702
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990x
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AMD Ryzen 9 5900x
AMD EPYC 70003
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Intel Xeon Gold 6240
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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Intel Core i9-9900K
AMD Epyc 7742
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AMD Epyc 7443
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Price Match
Cheaper
User Reviews
Overall Rating
AMD Epyc 7742
0 User Reviews
AMD2 Epyc 770004 10.
0 /10
3 Votes
Reliability
Reviews not yet
10.0 /10
3 VOTES
Energy
reviews yet not
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 3 votes
Performance
CPU speed
64 x 2.25GHz
64 x 2.9GHz
CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second a processor can perform, given all its cores (processors). It is calculated by adding the clock speeds of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors, each group of cores. nine0003
processor thread
More threads result in better performance and better multitasking.
turbo clock speed
3.4GHz
4.3GHz
When the processor is running below its limits, it can jump to a higher clock speed to increase performance.
L3 cache
More L3 scratchpad memory results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
nine0003
L1 cache
4096KB
4000KB
More L1 cache results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
L2 Cache
More L2 scratchpad memory results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
L2 core
0.5MB/core
0.5MB/core
More data can be stored in L2 scratchpad for access by each processor core. nine0003
hour multiplier
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
The hour multiplier controls the processor speed.
Unlocked
✖AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Some processors come with an unlocked multiplier and can be easily overclocked for better performance in games and other applications.
Memory
Supports memory recovery code
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Memory error recovery code can detect and repair data corruption.
It is used when necessary to avoid distortion, such as in scientific computing or when starting a server.
maximum memory bandwidth
190.7GB/s
95.37GB/s
This is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored in memory.
DDR 9 memory version0003
DDR (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) is the most common type of RAM. New versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy efficient.
maximum memory
4000GB
Maximum memory (RAM).
RAM speed
3200MHz
3200MHz
Can support faster memory which speeds up system performance. nine0003
memory channels
More memory channels increase the speed of data transfer between memory and processor.
bus frequency
Unknown.
Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X)
The bus is responsible for transferring data between various components of a computer or device
bus baud rate
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X)
The bus is responsible for transferring data between various components of a computer or device.
eMMC version
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X)
A newer version of eMMC — Built-in Flash Memory Card — speeds up the memory interface, has a positive effect on device performance, for example, when transferring files from a computer to internal memory via USB. nine0003
Features
uses multi-threading
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
cores, also known as threads.
Thus, each core can run two instruction streams at the same time.
SSE version
SSE is used to speed up multimedia tasks such as editing images or adjusting audio volume. Each new version contains new instructions and improvements.
Has AES
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
AES is used to speed up encryption and decryption.
Has AVX
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
AVX is used to help speed up calculations in multimedia, scientific and financial applications, and to improve the performance of the Linux RAID program. nine0003
bits transmitted at the same time
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X)
NEON provides faster media processing such as MP3 listening.
interface width
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X)
The processor can decode more instructions per clock (IPC), which means the processor performs better
Has F16C
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
is used to speed up tasks such as F16C
adjust the image contrast or adjust the volume.
Has FMA3
✔AMD Epyc 7742
✔AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
FMA3 is used to speed up tasks such as image contrast adjustment or volume control. nine0003
Has FMA4
✖AMD Epyc 7742
✖AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
FMA4 is used to speed up tasks such as image contrast adjustment or volume control.
Geotagging
Cinebench R20 result (multi-core)
Cinebench R20 is a test that measures the performance of a multi-core processor by rendering a 3D scene.
Cinebench R20 result (single core)
Cinebench R20 is a test to evaluate the performance of a single core processor when rendering a 3D scene. nine0003
Geekbench 5 result (multi-core)
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform test that measures the performance of a multi-core processor. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
Geekbench 5 result (single-core)
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform test that measures the single-core performance of a processor. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
PassMark result
This test measures CPU performance using multithreading. nine0003
PassMark result (single)
This benchmark measures processor performance using a thread of execution.
performance per watt
This means that the processor is more efficient, giving more performance per watt of power used.
Blender test result (bmw27)
33.9seconds
30seconds
The Blender test (bmw27) measures CPU performance by rendering a 3D scene. More powerful processors can render a scene in a shorter time. nine0003
Blender (classroom) result
95.8seconds
88.6seconds
The Blender (classroom) benchmark measures CPU performance by rendering a 3D scene. More powerful processors can render a scene in a shorter time.
Other
Type
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (AMD Epyc 7742)
Desktop
The market for which the processor is intended.
Price comparison
Which Enterprise processors are best?
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3DNews Technologies and IT market. Computex 2017 Processor News: AMD EPYC Processors Already Available
05/31/2017 [10:26], Ivan Grudtsyn This spring, with the release of older models of Ryzen CPUs, AMD brought Intel out of hibernation, and in the summer, it looks like it will give the competitor a good thrashing, using the potential of Ryzen Threadripper and EPYC processors. Ryzen Threadripper and mobile Ryzen: Goliath and David The debut of Ryzen Threadripper processors for the new TR4 platform (aka SP3r2), according to AMD top managers, will take place this summer. As one gets the impression, the secret date for the time being is much closer to August 31 than to June 1. The upcoming CPUs impress with their size and number of pins (4094 pcs.). Threadripper models will operate with a maximum of 16 computing (x86-64) cores and 32 data processing threads, and will also receive a four-channel RAM controller and 64 PCI Express 3.0 lanes. The TR4 socket will be accompanied by the AMD X39 chipset9 — this duo will connect four PCIe 3.0 lines, while the remaining 60 will be distributed between the video card slots (PCIe x16) and SSD (M.2).
Ryzen Threadripper motherboards will be released by ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI and possibly smaller companies like Biostar and ECS. EPYC (former Naples) CPU server models will most likely come out before Ryzen Threadripper — this will happen, according to Lisa Su, on June 20th. In addition, nothing was reported about them at the press conference, so we will have to partially quote the material from two weeks ago. nine0003 The Ryzen Threadripper and EPYC processors are identical in appearance, while on the side of the top server solutions there are twice as many cores (32 pcs.) And RAM controller channels (8 pcs.). EPYC has up to 64 MB L3 cache, and 128 PCI Express 3.0 lanes. AMD hopes that EPYC will be of interest to manufacturers of servers and workstations based on single and dual processor boards. In favor of the company’s solutions is not only their performance, but also low operating costs, as well as compactness. The latter, however, is connected with the limitation of the possibility of installing large-size PCI Express cards. |
At Computex 2017, AMD, represented by CEO Lisa Su and SVP Jim Anderson, clarified its plans to bring new desktop and server CPUs to market. nine0003 
AMD does not yet want to share either official characteristics or recommended prices for new powerful processors. 