Performance comparison: which is faster?
AMD EPYC 7702 (AMD, 2019) and AMD Threadripper 3970X (AMD, 2019) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: nearly equal
The sockets differ (SP3 / sTRX4), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | EPYC 7702 | Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 65,000 | 65,000 |
| Generation | EPYC | Threadripper |
| Socket | SP3 | sTRX4 |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2019 |
| Type | Server | Server |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon RX 7600 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | EPYC 7702 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | EPYC 7702 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Their scores are nearly identical (EPYC 7702: 65000 points / Threadripper 3970X: 65000 points). Choose the less expensive option or the one that fits your current motherboard.
EPYC 7702 is EPYC, while Threadripper 3970X is Threadripper.The sockets differ (SP3 / sTRX4), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon RX 7600 pairs well with EPYC 7702 and GeForce RTX 4060 pairs well with Threadripper 3970X. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
