iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—in AMD’s 5th Gen EPYC 9005 server processors, Zen 5c cores are made on a 3nm process, while Zen 5 cores use 4nm. AMD’s architecture paper also says the processors’ I/O die remains on 6nm. That makes Zen 5c the smaller-node design in this specific EPYC comparison, but it does not mean Zen 5c is automatically faster.
What does “3nm Zen 5c” mean?
AMD’s 5th Gen EPYC Processor Architecture white paper says its Zen 5 cores are produced using 4nm process technology and its Zen 5c cores at 3nm; the I/O die remains at 6nm from the prior generation. AMD’s EPYC 9005 portfolio describes the processors as using 4/3nm, consistent with separate core chiplets made on different process nodes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
AMD Ryzen™ 9 9900X 12-Core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor | $328.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These nanometer labels are foundry process-node names, not a direct measurement of transistor gate length. A smaller label indicates a newer process designation, but it does not by itself establish a chip’s speed, power use, or transistor dimensions.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How Zen 5 and Zen 5c differ in EPYC 9005
AMD describes Zen 5c as using the same register-transfer logic as Zen 5, with a more tightly packed physical layout. The two designs are aimed at different balances: Zen 5 prioritizes high performance per core, while Zen 5c prioritizes core density and energy efficiency. That difference can make Zen 5c useful for workloads that benefit from fitting more cores into a processor, rather than maximizing the performance of each individual core.
#1 Best Overall
- The Socket AM5 socket allows processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering
- Ryzen 5 product line processor for your convenience and optimal usage
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Hexa-core (6 Core) processor core helps processor process data in a dependable and timely manner with maximum productivity
- 6 MB L2 plus 32 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
| Comparison | Zen 5 in EPYC 9005 | Zen 5c in EPYC 9005 |
|---|---|---|
| Process technology | 4nm, according to AMD’s 2025 architecture paper | 3nm, according to AMD’s 2025 architecture paper |
| Physical-design goal | High performance per core, as described by AMD | High core density and energy efficiency, as described by AMD |
| Core count per CCD | Not stated in the cited AMD information | Up to 16, according to AMD’s 2025 architecture paper |
| L3 cache per CCD | Not stated in the cited AMD information | 32MB shared, according to AMD’s 2025 architecture paper |
| Maximum EPYC 9005 processor core count | Not stated here | Up to 192, according to AMD’s 2025 product information |
AMD says each Zen 5c CCD holds 16 cores, each with 1MB of L2 cache, and a shared 32MB L3 cache. It also says up to 12 Zen 5c CCDs can connect to an I/O die, enabling a processor with as many as 192 cores.
Which EPYC processors use Zen 5c?
AMD identifies the EPYC 9965, EPYC 9745, and EPYC 9645 as Zen 5c products. The 9965 is the 192-core example; the 9745 has 128 cores and the 9645 has 96. AMD positions the latter two as lower-power alternatives to equivalent-core processors built with Zen 5 dies.
These are server processors for infrastructure deployments, not mainstream desktop CPUs. The stated core counts and product positioning come from AMD’s 2025 materials.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- The world's best gaming desktop processor that can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 12 Cores and 24 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 5" architecture
- 5.6 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 76 MB cache, DDR5-5600 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards
- Cooler not included
Does 3nm make Zen 5c faster or lower-power?
Not necessarily on its own. A smaller process designation can support a denser physical layout, but actual performance and power depend on the chip’s implementation, clock speeds, power limits, memory configuration, and workload. AMD’s stated design goal for Zen 5c is density and efficiency; that is not a guarantee that every Zen 5c processor will use less power or outperform a Zen 5 processor in every task.
For workloads that scale across many cores, a high-core-count Zen 5c processor may be a better fit. Tasks that rely more heavily on individual-core speed may favor Zen 5 designs. The best choice depends on the workload and the specific server configuration; the process-node labels alone cannot settle the comparison.
Does this apply to every Zen 5 product?
No. The 3nm-versus-4nm distinction described here is specifically supported for AMD’s EPYC 9005 implementation. AMD’s product portfolio lists Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 at 4nm, so it would be inaccurate to generalize the EPYC Zen 5c process to every Zen 5c implementation or future product.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
