Xeon Gold 6242R vs EPYC 4345P
Xeon Gold 6242R
EPYC 4345P
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 6242R
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 4345P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($779) | ✅ More affordable ($329) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Grado (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+137%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($779) | ✅ More affordable ($329) |
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 6242R and EPYC 4345P
Xeon Gold 6242R
The Xeon Gold 6242R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,011 points. Launch price was $2,529.
EPYC 4345P
The EPYC 4345P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 May 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Grado (2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,006 points. Launch price was $329.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the EPYC 4345P offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 5.5 GHz on the EPYC 4345P — a 29.2% clock advantage for the EPYC 4345P (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 4345P uses Grado (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6242R scores 36,011 against the EPYC 4345P's 36,006 — a 0% lead for the Xeon Gold 6242R. L3 cache: 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 4345P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+150% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 5.5 GHz+34% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 35.75 MB+12% | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 20 MB+1900% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) | Grado (2025) |
| PassMark | 36,011 | 36,006 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 4345P uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 5600 on the EPYC 4345P — the EPYC 4345P supports 62.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6242R supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 128 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 2 (EPYC 4345P). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 28 (EPYC 4345P) — the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and AM5 (EPYC 4345P).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933 | 5600+91% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024+700% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 6+200% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+71% | 28 |
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 6242R) vs AMD-V, IOMMU (EPYC 4345P). The EPYC 4345P includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6242R requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302; EPYC 4345P rivals Xeon E-2488.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, IOMMU |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6242R launched at $2977 MSRP, while the EPYC 4345P debuted at $329. At current prices ($779 vs $329), the EPYC 4345P is $450 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6242R delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 109.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 4345P — making the EPYC 4345P the 81.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | EPYC 4345P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977 | $329-89% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $779 | $329-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.2 | 109.4+137% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2025 |
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