CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Xeon Gold 6238
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 Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6238
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($540) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (ZEN+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($540) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Threadripper 2950X and Xeon Gold 6238
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 29,462 points. Launch price was $899.
Xeon Gold 6238
The Xeon Gold 6238 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30.25 MB. L2 cache: 22 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 29,118 points. Launch price was $2,612.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6238 offers 22 cores / 44 threads — the Xeon Gold 6238 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6238 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the ZEN+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6238 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X scores 29,462 against the Xeon Gold 6238's 29,118 — a 1.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X vs 30.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 6238.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 22 / 44+38% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+19% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+67% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+6% | 30.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 22 MB+4300% |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | ZEN+ (2018−2019) | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 29,462+1% | 29,118 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,444 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,255 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,814 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2950X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6238 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6238 — the Xeon Gold 6238 supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6238 supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6238). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6238) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Socket TR4 / X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6238).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | 2933+73225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+26214300% | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+33% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6238 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2950X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6238). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6238 rivals EPYC 7402.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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