EPYC 9174F vs Xeon Gold 6438N
EPYC 9174F
Xeon Gold 6438N
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 9174F
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6438N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10956%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) |
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 9174F and Xeon Gold 6438N
EPYC 9174F
The EPYC 9174F 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 52,249 points. Launch price was $3,850.
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 (2023−2024) 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 9174F packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9174F versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N — a 20% clock advantage for the EPYC 9174F (base: 4.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 9174F uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6438N uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9174F scores 52,249 against the Xeon Gold 6438N's 52,789 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438N. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9174F vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+22% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.1 GHz+105% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+327% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 52,249 | 52,789+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 20,000 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9174F uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6438N uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9174F versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N — the EPYC 9174F supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9174F supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9174F) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6438N). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9174F) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) — the EPYC 9174F offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9174F) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N).
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 4096 GB+69904967% |
| 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9174F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9174F launched at $194 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6438N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($30 vs $3351), the EPYC 9174F is $3321 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9174F delivers 1741.6 pts/$ vs 15.8 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6438N — making the EPYC 9174F the 196.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9174F | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-94% | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-99% | $3351 |
| Performance per Dollar | 1741.6+10923% | 15.8 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
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