EPYC 9224 vs Xeon Gold 6342

AMD

EPYC 9224

24 Cores48 Thrd200 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2022
EPYC family
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6342

24 Cores48 Thrd230 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2021
Similar parts
·······

EPYC 9224 vs Xeon Gold 6342 Performance Spectrum

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.

EPYC 9224 vs Xeon Gold 6342 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

EPYC 9224 vs Xeon Gold 6342: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

EPYC 9224

2022

Why buy it

  • +77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Costs $1,152 less on MSRP ($1,825 MSRP vs $2,977 MSRP).
  • Delivers 68.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.6 vs 15.8 PassMark/$ ($1,825 MSRP vs $2,977 MSRP).
  • Draws 200W instead of 230W, a 30W reduction.
  • Newer platform on SP5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Gold 6342

2021

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (47,076 vs 48,573).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.8 vs 26.6 PassMark/$ ($2,977 MSRP vs $1,825 MSRP).
    • 15% higher power demand at 230W vs 200W.
    • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while EPYC 9224 moves to SP5 and DDR5.

    Quick Answers

    So, is EPYC 9224 better than Xeon Gold 6342?
    Yes. EPYC 9224 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, EPYC 9224 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9224 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    EPYC 9224 is the better buy right now. EPYC 9224 comes in $1,152 cheaper on MSRP at $1,825 MSRP versus $2,977 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 68.3% better value on MSRP (26.6 vs 15.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    EPYC 9224 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021), a healthier platform with SP5 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, 77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 24/48. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

    EPYC 9224 vs Xeon Gold 6342 Technical Specifications

    Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

    AMD

    EPYC 9224

    The EPYC 9224 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 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: 48,573 points. Launch price was $1,825.

    Intel

    Xeon Gold 6342

    The Xeon Gold 6342 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 230 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 47,076 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the EPYC 9224 and Xeon Gold 6342 share an identical 24-core/48-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9224 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6342 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the EPYC 9224 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The EPYC 9224 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6342 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9224 scores 48,573 against the Xeon Gold 6342's 47,076 — a 3.1% lead for the EPYC 9224. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9224 vs 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6342.

    FeatureEPYC 9224Xeon Gold 6342
    Cores / Threads
    24 / 48
    24 / 48
    Boost Clock
    3.7 GHz+6%
    3.5 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    2.8 GHz+12%
    L3 Cache
    64 MB (total)+78%
    36 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB (per core)
    1 MB (per core)
    Process
    5 nm, 6 nm-50%
    10 nm
    Architecture
    Genoa (2022−2023)
    Ice Lake-SP (2021)
    PassMark
    48,573+3%
    47,076
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The EPYC 9224 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6342 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the EPYC 9224 versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6342 — the EPYC 9224 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 6144 of RAM. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9224) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6342). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9224) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6342) — the EPYC 9224 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9224) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6342).

    FeatureEPYC 9224Xeon Gold 6342
    Socket
    SP5
    LGA4189
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+25%
    PCIe 4.0
    Max RAM Speed
    4800+50%
    3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    6144
    6144
    RAM Channels
    12+50%
    8
    ECC Support
    Yes
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    128+100%
    64
    🔧

    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 9224) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6342). Direct competitor: EPYC 9224 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468X; Xeon Gold 6342 rivals EPYC 7443.

    FeatureEPYC 9224Xeon Gold 6342
    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

    At launch, the EPYC 9224 was priced at $1825, while the Xeon Gold 6342 came in at $2977. On launch pricing ($1825 vs $2977), EPYC 9224 was $1152 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9224 delivers 26.6 pts/$ vs 15.8 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6342 — making the EPYC 9224 the 50.9% better value option.

    FeatureEPYC 9224Xeon Gold 6342
    MSRP
    $1825-39%
    $2977
    Performance per Dollar
    26.6+68%
    15.8
    Release Date
    2022
    2021

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.