EPYC 4545P vs Xeon Gold 6438N

AMD

EPYC 4545P

16 Cores32 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6438N

32 Cores64 Thrd205 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2023

EPYC 4545P vs Xeon Gold 6438N Performance Spectrum

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.

EPYC 4545P vs Xeon Gold 6438N FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

EPYC 4545P vs Xeon Gold 6438N: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

EPYC 4545P

2025

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +15.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $2,802 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $3,351 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 527.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 98.8 vs 15.8 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $3,351 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 65W instead of 205W, a 140W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon Graphics, while Xeon Gold 6438N needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Gold 6438N

2023

Why buy it

  • βœ…185.7% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 4545P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (52,789 vs 54,255).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.8 vs 98.8 PassMark/$ ($3,351 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • ❌215.4% higher power demand at 205W vs 65W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while EPYC 4545P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 4545P better than Xeon Gold 6438N?
Yes. EPYC 4545P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 4545P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 4545P is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.8% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 4545P is the better buy right now. EPYC 4545P comes in $2,802 cheaper on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $3,351 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 527.3% better value on MSRP (98.8 vs 15.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 4545P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 4545P vs Xeon Gold 6438N Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

EPYC 4545P

The EPYC 4545P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 May 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Grado (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 54,255 points. Launch price was $549.

Intel

Xeon Gold 6438N

The Xeon Gold 6438N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 52,789 points. Launch price was $3,351.

⚑

Processing Power

The EPYC 4545P packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 32 cores / 64 threads β€” the Xeon Gold 6438N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the EPYC 4545P versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N β€” a 40% clock advantage for the EPYC 4545P (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 4545P uses the Grado (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6438N uses Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 4545P scores 54,255 against the Xeon Gold 6438N's 52,789 β€” a 2.7% lead for the EPYC 4545P. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 4545P vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N.

FeatureEPYC 4545PXeon Gold 6438N
Cores / Threads
16 / 32
32 / 64+100%
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz+50%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+50%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+7%
60 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
4 nm-43%
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Grado (2025)
Sapphire Rapids (2023βˆ’2024)
PassMark
54,255+3%
52,789
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
1,500
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
20,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The EPYC 4545P uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6438N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the EPYC 4545P versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N β€” the EPYC 4545P supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438N supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB β€” 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (EPYC 4545P) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6438N). PCIe lanes: 28 (EPYC 4545P) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) β€” the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 52 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM5 (EPYC 4545P) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N).

FeatureEPYC 4545PXeon Gold 6438N
Socket
AM5
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
5600+17%
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
28
80+186%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the EPYC 4545P has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 4545P) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438N). The EPYC 4545P includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6438N requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 4545P rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354.

FeatureEPYC 4545PXeon Gold 6438N
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon Graphics
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
β€”
Server
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the EPYC 4545P was priced at $549, while the Xeon Gold 6438N came in at $3351. On launch pricing ($549 vs $3351), EPYC 4545P was $2802 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 4545P delivers 98.8 pts/$ vs 15.8 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6438N β€” making the EPYC 4545P the 145% better value option.

FeatureEPYC 4545PXeon Gold 6438N
MSRP
$549-84%
$3351
Performance per Dollar
98.8+525%
15.8
Release Date
2025
2023

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