EPYC 9124 vs Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 9124
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 9124
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+555%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ 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 9124 and Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
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 EPYC 9124 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6538N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The EPYC 9124 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9124 scores 43,638 against the Xeon Gold 6538N's 44,895 — a 2.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124 vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+43% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+7% | 60 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 43,638 | 44,895+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,770 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9124 uses the SP5 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 DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9124 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 EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9124) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6538N). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9124) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) — the EPYC 9124 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9124) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N).
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+157286300% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 12+50% | 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: AMD-V (EPYC 9124) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6538N). Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y; Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9124 launched at $1083 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6538N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($1083 vs $170), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $913 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 264.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6538N — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 147% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1083-68% | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1083 | $170-84% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.3 | 264.1+555% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
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