Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Xeon Gold 6338
Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Xeon Gold 6338 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.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Xeon Gold 6338 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Xeon Gold 6338: 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 9800X3D
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +32.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $2,511 less on MSRP ($479 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 520.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 83.4 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($479 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 120W instead of 205W, a 85W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (39,966 vs 40,225).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6338, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
Xeon Gold 6338
2021Why buy it
- ✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 28.
- ✅128.6% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 9800X3D across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 83.4 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $479 MSRP).
- ❌70.8% higher power demand at 205W vs 120W.
- ❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 9800X3D moves to AM5 and DDR5.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 7 9800X3D can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 7 9800X3D better than Xeon Gold 6338?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Xeon Gold 6338 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 November 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 39,966 points. Launch price was $479.
Xeon Gold 6338
The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 47.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (base: 4.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is built on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D scores 39,966 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338. L3 cache: 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 32 / 64+300% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+63% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz+135% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 96 MB (total)+100% | 48 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 4 nm-60% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) | — |
| PassMark | 39,966 | 40,225 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 23,277 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,450 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,500 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 — the Ryzen 7 9800X3D supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338) — the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X670E,B650E,X870E,B850 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 6144 GB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 64+129% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, AMD-Vi (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6338). The Ryzen 7 9800X3D includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6338 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 9800X3D targets Extreme Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 9800X3D rivals Core i9-14900K; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, AMD-Vi | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Extreme Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D was priced at $479, while the Xeon Gold 6338 came in at $2990. On launch pricing ($479 vs $2990), Ryzen 7 9800X3D was $2511 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers 83.4 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Ryzen 7 9800X3D the 144.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $479-84% | $2990 |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.4+518% | 13.5 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 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.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Xeon Gold 6338
