Xeon Gold 6122 vs Xeon Gold 6138

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 Gold 6122 vs Xeon Gold 6138 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 Gold 6122 vs Xeon Gold 6138: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon Gold 6122

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 120W instead of 125W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Gold 6138 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (23,781 vs 24,108).
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6138

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $2,612 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6122 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6138 better than Xeon Gold 6122?

Yes. Xeon Gold 6138 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon Gold 6138 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6138 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 6138 is the better buy right now. Xeon Gold 6138 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $2,612 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Gold 6122 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon Gold 6122 vs Xeon Gold 6138 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6122

The Xeon Gold 6122 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 28 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 23,781 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon Gold 6138

The Xeon Gold 6138 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 24,108 points. Launch price was $2,612.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon Gold 6122 and Xeon Gold 6138 share an identical 20-core/40-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6122 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6138 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6138 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6122 scores 23,781 against the Xeon Gold 6138's 24,108 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6138. L3 cache: 28 MB on the Xeon Gold 6122 vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6138.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6122	Xeon Gold 6138
Cores / Threads	20 / 40	20 / 40
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	28 MB+2%	27.5 MB
L2 Cache	—	20 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	—	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	23,781	24,108+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,261
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	15,439