Xeon 6515P vs Xeon Gold 6338

Intel

Xeon 6515P

16 Cores32 Thrd150 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2025
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6338

32 Cores64 Thrd205 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Xeon 6515P 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.

Xeon 6515P 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.

Xeon 6515P 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.

Xeon 6515P

2025

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (72 MB vs 48 MB).
  • Costs $2,250 less on MSRP ($740 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
  • Delivers 309.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.0 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($740 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
  • Draws 150W instead of 205W, a 55W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA4710 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Gold 6338

2021

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (40,225 vs 40,720).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (48 MB vs 72 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 55.0 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $740 MSRP).
    • 36.7% higher power demand at 205W vs 150W.
    • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Xeon 6515P moves to LGA4710 and DDR5.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon 6515P better than Xeon Gold 6338?
    Yes. Xeon 6515P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Xeon 6515P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 6515P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (72 MB vs 48 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon 6515P is the better buy right now. Xeon 6515P comes in $2,250 cheaper on MSRP at $740 MSRP versus $2,990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 309.0% better value on MSRP (55.0 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Xeon 6515P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA4710 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, 50% larger total L3 cache (72 MB vs 48 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 32 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

    Xeon 6515P vs Xeon Gold 6338 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Xeon 6515P

    The Xeon 6515P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 72 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 40,720 points. Launch price was $740.

    Intel

    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 Xeon 6515P packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon 6515P versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Xeon 6515P (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon 6515P is built on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon 6515P scores 40,720 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon 6515P. L3 cache: 72 MB (total) on the Xeon 6515P vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.

    FeatureXeon 6515PXeon Gold 6338
    Cores / Threads
    16 / 32
    32 / 64+100%
    Boost Clock
    3.8 GHz+19%
    3.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.3 GHz+15%
    2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    72 MB (total)+50%
    48 MB
    L2 Cache
    2 MB (per core)
    Process
    Intel 3 nm-70%
    10 nm
    Architecture
    Granite Rapids (2024−2025)
    PassMark
    40,720+1%
    40,225
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Xeon 6515P uses the LGA4710 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 6400 on the Xeon 6515P versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 — the Xeon 6515P supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 88 (Xeon 6515P) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338) — the Xeon 6515P offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA4710 (Xeon 6515P) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).

    FeatureXeon 6515PXeon Gold 6338
    Socket
    LGA4710
    LGA4189
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+25%
    PCIe 4.0
    Max RAM Speed
    6400+100%
    3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    4096
    6144+50%
    RAM Channels
    8
    8
    ECC Support
    Yes
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    88+38%
    64
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon 6515P rivals EPYC 9534; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.

    FeatureXeon 6515PXeon Gold 6338
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    IGPU Model
    None
    None
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    Yes
    Yes
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    VT-x, VT-d
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Xeon 6515P was priced at $740, while the Xeon Gold 6338 came in at $2990. On launch pricing ($740 vs $2990), Xeon 6515P was $2250 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon 6515P delivers 55.0 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Xeon 6515P the 121.4% better value option.

    FeatureXeon 6515PXeon Gold 6338
    MSRP
    $740-75%
    $2990
    Performance per Dollar
    55.0+307%
    13.5
    Release Date
    2025
    2021

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