Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon Gold 6138

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon Gold 6138 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 / 16

22,430

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Xeon Gold 6138

20 / 40

24,108

+7.5%

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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon Gold 6138 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon Gold 6138: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +30.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,283 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $2,612 MSRP).
✅Delivers 638.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $2,612 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 24,108).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6138, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6138

2017

Why buy it

✅+7.5% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($2,612 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Xeon Gold 6138?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6138 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6138 is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.5% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $2,283 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $2,612 MSRP, and it still gives you a 30.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6138 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 7.5% better PassMark. It is also 638.7% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon Gold 6138 Technical Specifications

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

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Xeon Gold 6138

The Xeon Gold 6138 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 24,108 points. Launch price was $2,612.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6138 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6138 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6138 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6138 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon Gold 6138's 24,108 — a 7.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6138. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6138.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon Gold 6138
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	20 / 40+150%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+19%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+80%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB+16%	27.5 MB
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+2460%	20 MB
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	22,430	24,108+7%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,261
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	15,439

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6138 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6138 — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6138 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6138). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6138) — the Xeon Gold 6138 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6138).

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon Gold 6138
Socket	AM4	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	48+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6138). Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6138 targets Server.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon Gold 6138
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Xeon Gold 6138 came in at $2612. On launch pricing ($329 vs $2612), Ryzen 7 3700X was $2283 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6138 — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 152.3% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon Gold 6138
MSRP	$329-87%	$2612
Performance per Dollar	68.2+641%	9.2
Release Date	2019	2017

Search Ryzen 7 3700X on Amazon

Search Xeon Gold 6138 on Amazon

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.