CPU
GPU
Xeon E7-8857 v2
Xeon Gold 6242R
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 Xeon E7-8857 v2
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6242R
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) | ✅ More affordable ($779) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+281%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) | ✅ More affordable ($779) |
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 Xeon E7-8857 v2 and Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon E7-8857 v2
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,304 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon Gold 6242R
The Xeon Gold 6242R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,011 points. Launch price was $2,529.
Processing Power
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R is built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E7-8857 v2 scores 36,304 against the Xeon Gold 6242R's 36,011 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E7-8857 v2. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R.
| Feature | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12 | 20 / 40+67% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | 35.75 MB+19% |
| L2 Cache | — | 20 MB |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | — | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 36,304 | 36,011 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R — the Xeon Gold 6242R supports 58.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-8857 v2 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 1024 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) — the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C602J (Xeon E7-8857 v2) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R).
| Feature | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600 | 2933+83% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536+50% | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 48+20% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6242R supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon E7-8857 v2 rivals Xeon E7-4850 v2; Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302.
| Feature | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 launched at $3838 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6242R debuted at $2977. At current prices ($2995 vs $779), the Xeon Gold 6242R is $2216 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7-8857 v2 delivers 12.1 pts/$ vs 46.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6242R — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 116.9% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E7-8857 v2 | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3838 | $2977-22% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2995 | $779-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 12.1 | 46.2+282% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2020 |
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