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 6520P vs Xeon Gold 6438Y+ 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 6520P vs Xeon Gold 6438Y+: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon 6520P

2025

Why buy it

✅Massive L3 cache advantage with 144 MB vs 60 MB, which is a real win in CPU-limited gaming.
✅Costs $1,312 less on MSRP ($1,295 MSRP vs $2,607 MSRP).
✅Delivers 105.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.4 vs 24.0 PassMark/$ ($1,295 MSRP vs $2,607 MSRP).
✅10% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon Gold 6438Y+

2023

Why buy it

✅Draws 205W instead of 210W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No 3D V-Cache or similar L3 advantage, which matters in CPU-limited gaming (60 MB vs 144 MB).
❌Lower PassMark (62,660 vs 64,010).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.0 vs 49.4 PassMark/$ ($2,607 MSRP vs $1,295 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon 6520P better than Xeon Gold 6438Y+?

Yes. Xeon 6520P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% 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 6520P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 144 MB versus 60 MB.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 6520P is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 140% larger total L3 cache (144 MB vs 60 MB).

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

Xeon 6520P is the better buy right now. Xeon 6520P comes in $1,312 cheaper on MSRP at $1,295 MSRP versus $2,607 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 105.6% better value on MSRP (49.4 vs 24.0 PassMark/$), 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 6520P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023), 3D V-Cache and a much larger 144 MB L3 cache instead of 60 MB, and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon 6520P vs Xeon Gold 6438Y+ Technical Specifications

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

Xeon 6520P

The Xeon 6520P 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 144 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 210 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 64,010 points. Launch price was $1,295.

Xeon Gold 6438Y+

The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ 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 4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 62,660 points. Launch price was $3,141.

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Processing Power

The Xeon 6520P packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon 6520P versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon 6520P uses the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture (Intel 3 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon 6520P scores 64,010 against the Xeon Gold 6438Y+'s 62,660 — a 2.1% lead for the Xeon 6520P. L3 cache: 144 MB (total) on the Xeon 6520P vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+.

Feature	Xeon 6520P	Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Cores / Threads	24 / 48	32 / 64+33%
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	144 MB (total)+140%	60 MB
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 3 nm-70%	10 nm
Architecture	Granite Rapids (2024−2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	64,010+2%	62,660
Geekbench 6 Single	1,900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	25,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon 6520P uses the LGA4710 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Xeon 6520P versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — the Xeon 6520P supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports up to 4096 TB of RAM compared to 4 TB — 102300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 88 (Xeon 6520P) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) — the Xeon 6520P offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FCLGA4710 (Xeon 6520P) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+).

Feature	Xeon 6520P	Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Socket	LGA4710	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+33%	4800
Max RAM Capacity	4 TB	4096 TB+102300%
RAM Channels	8	8
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	88+10%	80

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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. Primary use case: Xeon 6520P targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon 6520P rivals EPYC 9254; Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354.

Feature	Xeon 6520P	Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Server	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon 6520P was priced at $1295, while the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ came in at $2607. On launch pricing ($1295 vs $2607), Xeon 6520P was $1312 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon 6520P delivers 49.4 pts/$ vs 24.0 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ — making the Xeon 6520P the 69.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon 6520P	Xeon Gold 6438Y+
MSRP	$1295-50%	$2607
Performance per Dollar	49.4+106%	24.0
Release Date	2025	2023

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