EPYC 7543 vs Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 7543
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
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 7543
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($468) | ✅ More affordable ($389) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($468) | ✅ More affordable ($389) |
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 7543 and Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 7543
The EPYC 7543 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,952 points. Launch price was $3,761.
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 62,660 points. Launch price was $3,141.
Processing Power
Both the EPYC 7543 and Xeon Gold 6438Y+ share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7543 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 7543 uses the Milan (2021−2023) architecture (7 nm+), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7543 scores 62,952 against the Xeon Gold 6438Y+'s 62,660 — a 0.5% lead for the EPYC 7543. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7543 vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+.
| Feature | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+40% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+327% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm+-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Milan (2021−2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 62,952 | 62,660 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7543 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7543 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ 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 7543) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) — the EPYC 7543 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7543) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+).
| Feature | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Only the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: EPYC 7543 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380; Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7543 launched at $10257 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ debuted at $2607. At current prices ($468 vs $389), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $79 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7543 delivers 134.5 pts/$ vs 161.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 18% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7543 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $10257 | $2607-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $468 | $389-17% |
| Performance per Dollar | 134.5 | 161.1+20% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 7543 and Xeon Gold 6438Y+
