Xeon Gold 5418Y vs EPYC 7542
Xeon Gold 5418Y
EPYC 7542
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 Gold 5418Y
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7542
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,483) | ✅ More affordable ($899) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+64%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,483) | ✅ More affordable ($899) |
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 Gold 5418Y and EPYC 7542
Xeon Gold 5418Y
The Xeon Gold 5418Y 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 45,660 points. Launch price was $1,493.
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5418Y packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the EPYC 7542 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5418Y versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 5418Y (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5418Y uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5418Y scores 45,660 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 5418Y. L3 cache: 45 MB on the Xeon Gold 5418Y vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+12% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.9 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 45 MB | 128 MB (total)+184% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,660 | 45,359 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5418Y uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7542 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 5418Y versus 3200 on the EPYC 7542 — the Xeon Gold 5418Y supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 5418Y) vs 128 (EPYC 7542) — the EPYC 7542 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 5418Y) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 5418Y) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5418Y rivals EPYC 9334; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 5418Y launched at $1483 MSRP, while the EPYC 7542 debuted at $3400.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5418Y | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1483-56% | $3400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $899 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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