Xeon Gold 6238 vs Xeon w3-2525
Xeon Gold 6238
Xeon w3-2525
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 6238
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w3-2525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6238 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6238 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
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 6238 and Xeon w3-2525
Xeon Gold 6238
The Xeon Gold 6238 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 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30.25 MB. L2 cache: 22 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 29,118 points. Launch price was $2,612.
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6238 packs 22 cores / 44 threads, while the Xeon w3-2525 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Gold 6238 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6238 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2525 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6238 uses the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6238 scores 29,118 against the Xeon w3-2525's 28,641 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6238. L3 cache: 30.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 6238 vs 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 22 / 44+175% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 30.25 MB+34% | 22.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 22 MB+1000% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 29,118+2% | 28,641 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6238 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6238 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2525 — the Xeon Gold 6238 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6238 supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 2 TB — 199.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6238) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2525). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6238) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2525) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6238) and W790 (Xeon w3-2525).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933+58560% | DDR5-4400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 2 TB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 64+33% |
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. Primary use case: Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6238 rivals EPYC 7402; Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
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