Xeon Gold 6242R vs Xeon w5-3425
Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon w5-3425
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 w5-3425
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+52%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($779) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) |
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 w5-3425
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 w5-3425
The Xeon w5-3425 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242R packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon w5-3425 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6242R has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3425 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6242R scores 36,011 against the Xeon w5-3425's 36,178 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon w5-3425. L3 cache: 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-3425.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+67% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+3% |
| 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 | 36,178 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6242R uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 — the Xeon Gold 6242R supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3425 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 1024 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 8 (Xeon w5-3425). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3425) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R) and W790 (Xeon w5-3425).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933+58560% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 4096 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 6 | 8+33% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 112+133% |
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.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | 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 w5-3425 debuted at $1189. At current prices ($779 vs $1189), the Xeon Gold 6242R is $410 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6242R delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 30.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3425 — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 41.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6242R | Xeon w5-3425 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977 | $1189-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $779-34% | $1189 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.2+52% | 30.4 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2023 |
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