Xeon Gold 6146 vs Xeon Gold 6246

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 6146 vs Xeon Gold 6246 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 6146 vs Xeon Gold 6246: 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 6146

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Gold 6246

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,571 vs 22,595).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6146 better than Xeon Gold 6246?

Yes. Xeon Gold 6146 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6146 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 6146 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon Gold 6146 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon Gold 6246 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon Gold 6146 vs Xeon Gold 6246 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6146

The Xeon Gold 6146 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 22,595 points. Launch price was $3,286.

Xeon Gold 6246

The Xeon Gold 6246 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,571 points. Launch price was $3,286.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon Gold 6146 and Xeon Gold 6246 share an identical 12-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6146 versus 4.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6246 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6146 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6246 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6146 scores 22,595 against the Xeon Gold 6246's 22,571 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6146. Both processors carry 24.75 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6146	Xeon Gold 6246
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	12 / 24
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	24.75 MB	24.75 MB
L2 Cache	12 MB	12 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	22,595	22,571