Ryzen 9 7940HX vs Xeon Gold 6438N
Ryzen 9 7940HX
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
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6438N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7940HX | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7940HX | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 Ryzen 9 7940HX and Xeon Gold 6438N
Ryzen 9 7940HX
The Ryzen 9 7940HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2024-01-01. It is based on the Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 53,628 points. Launch price was $600.
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 Ryzen 9 7940HX 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 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7940HX versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7940HX (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 7940HX uses the Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) architecture (5 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6438N uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 7940HX scores 53,628 against the Xeon Gold 6438N's 52,789 — a 1.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 7940HX. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7940HX vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7940HX | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+44% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+20% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+7% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 53,628+2% | 52,789 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 20,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 7940HX uses the FL1 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 5200 on the Ryzen 9 7940HX versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N — the Ryzen 9 7940HX supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438N supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 7940HX) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6438N). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen 9 7940HX) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) — the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 52 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FL1 (Ryzen 9 7940HX) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7940HX | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FL1 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5200+103900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 4096 GB+3355443100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 80+186% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 7940HX 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: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 9 7940HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438N). The Ryzen 9 7940HX includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon 610M), while the Xeon Gold 6438N requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7940HX rivals Core i9-13900HX; Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7940HX | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 610M | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 9 7940HX and Xeon Gold 6438N
