EPYC 9254 vs Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 9254
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 9254
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) | ✅ More affordable ($389) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+175%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) | ✅ 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 9254 and Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 9254
The EPYC 9254 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.15 GHz. L3 cache: 128 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: 64,344 points. Launch price was $2,299.
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
The EPYC 9254 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.15 GHz on the EPYC 9254 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — a 3.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9254 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 9254 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9254 scores 64,344 against the Xeon Gold 6438Y+'s 62,660 — a 2.7% lead for the EPYC 9254. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9254 vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.15 GHz+4% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+45% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+113% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-50% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 64,344+3% | 62,660 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,233 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,023 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9254 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9254 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9254) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9254) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) — the EPYC 9254 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9254) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+).
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 9254) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438Y+). Primary use case: EPYC 9254 targets Enterprise Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9254 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468; Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enterprise Server | — |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9254 launched at $3761 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ debuted at $2607. At current prices ($1099 vs $389), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $710 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9254 delivers 58.5 pts/$ vs 161.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 93.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3761 | $2607-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1099 | $389-65% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.5 | 161.1+175% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
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