Xeon E7-8867 v3 vs Xeon Gold 6242R

Intel

Xeon E7-8867 v3

16 Cores32 Thrd165 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6242R

20 Cores40 Thrd205 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2020
Similar parts
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Xeon E7-8867 v3 vs Xeon Gold 6242R 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 E7-8867 v3 vs Xeon Gold 6242R 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 E7-8867 v3 vs Xeon Gold 6242R: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E7-8867 v3

2015

Why buy it

  • +2.5% higher PassMark.
  • +25.9% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Draws 165W instead of 205W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.9 vs 12.1 PassMark/$ ($4,672 MSRP vs $2,977 MSRP).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6242R

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,695 less on MSRP ($2,977 MSRP vs $4,672 MSRP).
  • Delivers 53.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.1 vs 7.9 PassMark/$ ($2,977 MSRP vs $4,672 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 32) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (36,011 vs 36,908).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 45 MB).
  • 24.2% higher power demand at 205W vs 165W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6242R better than Xeon E7-8867 v3?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon Gold 6242R is ahead with a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7-8867 v3 pulls ahead with 2.5% better PassMark. Xeon E7-8867 v3 also has the bigger cache pool with 25.9% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7-8867 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25.9% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon Gold 6242R is the better buy right now. Xeon Gold 6242R comes in $1,695 cheaper on MSRP at $2,977 MSRP versus $4,672 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E7-8867 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.5% better PassMark. It is also 53.1% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 7.9 PassMark/$), 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 Gold 6242R makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E7-8867 v3 vs Xeon Gold 6242R Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E7-8867 v3

The Xeon E7-8867 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EX (2015) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333/1600/1866, DDR3-1066/1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,908 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

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 E7-8867 v3 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E7-8867 v3 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon E7-8867 v3 uses the Haswell-EX (2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E7-8867 v3 scores 36,908 against the Xeon Gold 6242R's 36,011 — a 2.5% lead for the Xeon E7-8867 v3. L3 cache: 45 MB (total) on the Xeon E7-8867 v3 vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R.

FeatureXeon E7-8867 v3Xeon Gold 6242R
Cores / Threads
16 / 32
20 / 40+25%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
4.1 GHz+24%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.1 GHz+24%
L3 Cache
45 MB (total)+26%
35.75 MB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+1180%
20 MB
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell-EX (2015)
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark
36,908+2%
36,011
Geekbench 6 Single
850
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E7-8867 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E7-8867 v3 versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R — the Xeon Gold 6242R supports 57.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-8867 v3 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 1024 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E7-8867 v3) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R). PCIe lanes: 32 (Xeon E7-8867 v3) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) — the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C602J (Xeon E7-8867 v3) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R).

FeatureXeon E7-8867 v3Xeon Gold 6242R
Socket
LGA2011
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-1866
2933+57%
Max RAM Capacity
1536 GB+50%
1024 GB
RAM Channels
4
6+50%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
32
48+50%
🔧

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. Primary use case: Xeon E7-8867 v3 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302.

FeatureXeon E7-8867 v3Xeon 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
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E7-8867 v3 was priced at $4672, while the Xeon Gold 6242R came in at $2977. On launch pricing ($4672 vs $2977), Xeon Gold 6242R was $1695 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7-8867 v3 delivers 7.9 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6242R — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 42% better value option.

FeatureXeon E7-8867 v3Xeon Gold 6242R
MSRP
$4672
$2977-36%
Performance per Dollar
7.9
12.1+53%
Release Date
2015
2020

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