EPYC 7303P vs Xeon Gold 6242R
EPYC 7303P
Xeon Gold 6242R
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 EPYC 7303P
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6242R
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($594) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($779) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+33%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($594) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($779) |
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 EPYC 7303P and Xeon Gold 6242R
EPYC 7303P
The EPYC 7303P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 36,487 points. Launch price was $594.
Xeon Gold 6242R
The Xeon Gold 6242R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,011 points. Launch price was $2,529.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7303P packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7303P versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The EPYC 7303P uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7303P scores 36,487 against the Xeon Gold 6242R's 36,011 — a 1.3% lead for the EPYC 7303P. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7303P vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R.
| Feature | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 20 / 40+25% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.1 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.1 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+79% | 35.75 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 20 MB+3900% |
| Process | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 36,487+1% | 36,011 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7303P uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7303P versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R — the EPYC 7303P supports 8.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7303P supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 1024 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7303P) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7303P) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) — the EPYC 7303P offers 80 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7303P) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R).
| Feature | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+9% | 2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096+300% | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 8+33% | 6 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+167% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, IOMMU (EPYC 7303P) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6242R). Direct competitor: EPYC 7303P rivals Xeon Gold 6330; Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302.
| Feature | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, IOMMU | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7303P launched at $594 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6242R debuted at $2977. At current prices ($594 vs $779), the EPYC 7303P is $185 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7303P delivers 61.4 pts/$ vs 46.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6242R — making the EPYC 7303P the 28.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7303P | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $594-80% | $2977 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $594-24% | $779 |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.4+33% | 46.2 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
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