Core i7-13790F vs Xeon Gold 6538N
Core i7-13790F
Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13790F
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+112%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-13790F and Xeon Gold 6538N
Core i7-13790F
The Core i7-13790F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 43,549 points. Launch price was $441.
Xeon Gold 6538N
The Xeon Gold 6538N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 44,895 points. Launch price was $3,351.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13790F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6538N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N — a 23.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13790F (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-13790F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the Xeon Gold 6538N's 44,895 — a 3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N.
| Feature | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+27% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 33 MB (total) | 60 MB (total)+82% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 43,549 | 44,895+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 26,247 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,815 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,673 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13790F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6538N — the Xeon Gold 6538N supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6538N supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13790F) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6538N). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) — the Xeon Gold 6538N offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N).
| Feature | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+4915100% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 80+400% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13790F launched at $392 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6538N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($350 vs $170), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $180 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 124.4 pts/$ vs 264.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6538N — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 71.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13790F | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $392-88% | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $170-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.4 | 264.1+112% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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