CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon Gold 5416S
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 Gold 5416S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,445) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+88%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,445) |
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 Gold 5416S
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 Gold 5416S
The Xeon Gold 5416S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 35,515 points. Launch price was $944.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5416S offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5416S — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5416S uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6242R scores 36,011 against the Xeon Gold 5416S's 35,515 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6242R. L3 cache: 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R vs 30 MB on the Xeon Gold 5416S.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+25% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+2% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+55% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 35.75 MB+19% | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 20 MB+900% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 36,011+1% | 35,515 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 5416S uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 4400 on the Xeon Gold 5416S — the Xeon Gold 5416S supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5416S supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 1024 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 5416S). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 5416S) — the Xeon Gold 5416S offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and LGA4677 (Xeon Gold 5416S).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933 | 4400+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 4096+300% |
| RAM Channels | 6 | 8+33% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 80+67% |
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. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302; Xeon Gold 5416S rivals EPYC 8124P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6242R launched at $2977 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5416S debuted at $1445.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon Gold 5416S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977 | $1445-51% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $779 | — |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2023 |
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