EPYC 7542 vs Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 7542
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 EPYC 7542
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+423%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) | ✅ 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 EPYC 7542 and Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
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
Both the EPYC 7542 and Xeon Gold 6538N share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The EPYC 7542 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7542 scores 45,359 against the Xeon Gold 6538N's 44,895 — a 1% lead for the EPYC 7542. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542 vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.1 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+38% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+113% | 60 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 45,359+1% | 44,895 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7542 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7542 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6538N — the Xeon Gold 6538N supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7542) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) — the EPYC 7542 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7542) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N).
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 4800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6538N). Direct competitor: EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R; Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7542 launched at $3400 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6538N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($899 vs $170), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $729 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7542 delivers 50.5 pts/$ vs 264.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6538N — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 135.8% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7542 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3400 | $3351-1% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $899 | $170-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.5 | 264.1+423% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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