Xeon Gold 6242R vs Xeon Gold 6248R

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 6242R vs Xeon Gold 6248R 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 6242R vs Xeon Gold 6248R: 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 6242R

2020

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.1 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($2,977 MSRP vs $2,700 MSRP).

Xeon Gold 6248R

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $277 less on MSRP ($2,700 MSRP vs $2,977 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.1 vs 12.1 PassMark/$ ($2,700 MSRP vs $2,977 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (35,434 vs 36,011).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6242R better than Xeon Gold 6248R?

Yes. Xeon Gold 6242R is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon Gold 6242R is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6242R is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 6242R is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon Gold 6248R is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon Gold 6242R comes in 10.3% more expensive on MSRP at $2,977 MSRP versus $2,700 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon Gold 6248R is also 8.5% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 12.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon Gold 6248R is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon Gold 6242R vs Xeon Gold 6248R Technical Specifications

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

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 6248R

The Xeon Gold 6248R 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 35,434 points. Launch price was $2,700.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6248R offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6248R has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6248R — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6242R scores 36,011 against the Xeon Gold 6248R's 35,434 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6242R. Both processors carry 35.75 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6242R	Xeon Gold 6248R
Cores / Threads	20 / 40	24 / 48+20%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+2%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+3%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	35.75 MB	35.75 MB
L2 Cache	20 MB	24 MB+20%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	36,011+2%	35,434

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA3647 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to 2933 memory speed. Both support up to 1024 of RAM. Both feature 6-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 48 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6248R).

Feature	Xeon Gold 6242R	Xeon Gold 6248R
Socket	LGA3647	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	2933	2933
Max RAM Capacity	1024	1024
RAM Channels	6	6
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	48	48

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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 6248R rivals EPYC 7402.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6242R	Xeon Gold 6248R
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Gold 6242R was priced at $2977, while the Xeon Gold 6248R came in at $2700. On launch pricing ($2977 vs $2700), Xeon Gold 6248R was $277 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6242R delivers 12.1 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6248R — making the Xeon Gold 6248R the 8.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6242R	Xeon Gold 6248R
MSRP	$2977	$2700-9%
Performance per Dollar	12.1	13.1+8%
Release Date	2020	2020

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