CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 5420+
Xeon Gold 6421N
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 5420+
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6421N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,848) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+30%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,848) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
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 5420+ and Xeon Gold 6421N
Xeon Gold 5420+
The Xeon Gold 5420+ 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 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,209 points. Launch price was $1,848.
Xeon Gold 6421N
The Xeon Gold 6421N 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 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: 58,797 points. Launch price was $2,368.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5420+ packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6421N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6421N has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5420+ versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 5420+ (base: 2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Both are built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5420+ scores 58,209 against the Xeon Gold 6421N's 58,797 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6421N. L3 cache: 52.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 5420+ vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56 | 32 / 64+14% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+14% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz+11% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 52.5 MB | 60 MB+14% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 58,209 | 58,797+1% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 80 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 5420+) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 80 |
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 Gold 5420+ rivals EPYC 9354; Xeon Gold 6421N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| 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
The Xeon Gold 5420+ launched at $1848 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6421N debuted at $2368. At current prices ($1848 vs $2427), the Xeon Gold 5420+ is $579 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 5420+ delivers 31.5 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6421N — making the Xeon Gold 5420+ the 26.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5420+ | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1848-22% | $2368 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1848-24% | $2427 |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.5+30% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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