Xeon Gold 6242R vs Xeon W-3265M
Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon W-3265M
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 W-3265M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,500) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+356%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,500) |
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 W-3265M
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 W-3265M
The Xeon W-3265M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 33 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: 35,506 points. Launch price was $6,353.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon W-3265M offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon W-3265M has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3265M — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3265M (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.7 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 W-3265M's 35,506 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6242R. L3 cache: 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R vs 33 MB on the Xeon W-3265M.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40 | 24 / 48+20% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+15% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 35.75 MB+8% | 33 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+1% | 35,506 |
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. PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 64 (Xeon W-3265M) — the Xeon W-3265M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and C620 (Xeon W-3265M).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933 | 2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 6 | 6 |
| 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. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302; Xeon W-3265M rivals EPYC 7402.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 W-3265M debuted at $6300. At current prices ($779 vs $3500), the Xeon Gold 6242R is $2721 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6242R delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 10.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3265M — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 128% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon W-3265M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977-53% | $6300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $779-78% | $3500 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.2+357% | 10.1 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
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