AMD EPYC 74F3 vs AMD EPYC 9274F
Both chips have 24 cores and 48 threads, so the choice comes down to platform, not core count. The EPYC 9274F is the newer 5 nm part with DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and higher clocks, but it needs a Socket SP5 board and draws 320W. The EPYC 74F3 is a drop-in upgrade for existing SP3 DDR4 servers and costs less per platform. No prices were given for either, so compare live store prices before deciding.
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AMD EPYC 74F3
AMD EPYC 74F3 Processor
Choose the EPYC 74F3 if you already run a Socket SP3 DDR4 server and want a 24-core upgrade without replacing the board or memory.
- Fits existing SP3 boards, so no platform swap
- 240W TDP is easier to cool than 320W
- 256 MB L3 cache matches the newer chip
- DDR4 memory is cheaper per gigabyte
What separates them
| AMD EPYC 74F3 | AMD EPYC 9274F | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | SP5 |
| Memory | DDR4, 8 channels, up to 3200 MT/s | DDR5, 12 channels, up to 4800 MT/s |
| PCIe | PCIe 4.0, 128 lanes | PCIe 5.0, 128 lanes |
| Base / boost clock | 3.2 GHz / 4.0 GHz | 4.05 GHz / 4.3 GHz |
| TDP | 240W | 320W |
| Process | 7 nm | 5 nm |
| L3 cache | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| Release date | March 2021 | November 2022 |
Price history
- AMD EPYC 74F3: lowest $759.99 on Nov 3 at The Server Store Parts.
- AMD EPYC 9274F: lowest $1,999.99 on Nov 3 at Central Computers.
Prices at every store
AMD EPYC 74F3
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- itcreations.comCheck price at itcreations.com
- Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
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AMD EPYC 9274F
- Central ComputersCheck price at Central Computers
- CompSourceCheck price at CompSource
- DirectDialCheck price at DirectDial
Specs compared
| Spec | AMD EPYC 74F3 | AMD EPYC 9274F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | SP3 | Socket SP5 |
| Integrated Graphics | No | No |
| Manufacturer | AMD | AMD |
| Clock Speed | 3.2 GHz | 4.05 GHz |
| Number Of Cores | 24 | 24 |
| Boost Clock Speed | 4 GHz | 4.30 GHz |
| Number Of Threads | 48 | 48 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 240W | 320 W |
| RAM Type | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| RAM Speed | Up to 3200 MT/s Per Socket | Up to 4800 MT/s Per Socket |
What reviewers say
AMD EPYC 74F3
Owner and reviewer discussion of the EPYC 74F3 centers on its large cache and core count for virtualization and database hosts. Most praise its multi-threaded throughput and memory bandwidth, while noting the 240W power draw and platform cost.
- PerformancePraisedOwners report strong multi-threaded throughput for virtualization and database servers.
- CachePraisedThe 256 MB L3 cache is cited as a real benefit for cache-sensitive workloads.
- Power drawCriticisedThe 240W TDP means high heat and power costs in dense deployments.
- Platform cost
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a new build?
- The EPYC 9274F. It brings DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and higher clocks, and a new build has no existing SP3 hardware to reuse.
- Can I put the 9274F in an SP3 board?
- No. The 9274F uses Socket SP5. The 74F3 uses SP3, and the two sockets are not compatible.
- Is the 74F3 worth it as an upgrade?
- Yes, if you already have an SP3 server. It gives 24 cores and 256 MB L3 without new memory or a new board.
- Which uses less power?
- The 74F3 at 240W TDP versus 320W for the 9274F. Budget for cooling and PSU headroom on the 9274F.
- Do they have the same cache?
- Yes. Both have 256 MB of L3 cache and 48 threads.
- Which is better for VM density?
- The 9274F. More memory channels and bandwidth help when many VMs share the host.