Xeon Gold 6242R vs Xeon E7-8857 v2
Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon E7-8857 v2
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 Xeon E7-8857 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+281%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
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 Xeon E7-8857 v2
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.
Xeon E7-8857 v2
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,304 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R is built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6242R scores 36,011 against the Xeon E7-8857 v2's 36,304 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E7-8857 v2. L3 cache: 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R vs 30 MB on the Xeon E7-8857 v2.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+67% | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+14% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 35.75 MB+19% | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 20 MB | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) | — |
| PassMark | 36,011 | 36,304 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — the Xeon Gold 6242R supports 58.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-8857 v2 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 1024 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 4 (Xeon E7-8857 v2). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 40 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) — the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and C602J (Xeon E7-8857 v2).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933+83% | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 1536+50% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+20% | 40 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6242R supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302; Xeon E7-8857 v2 rivals Xeon E7-4850 v2.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6242R launched at $2977 MSRP, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 debuted at $3838. At current prices ($779 vs $2995), the Xeon Gold 6242R is $2216 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6242R delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 116.9% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977-22% | $3838 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $779-74% | $2995 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.2+282% | 12.1 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2014 |
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