Xeon Gold 6312U vs Xeon Gold 6338N

Intel

Xeon Gold 6312U

24 Cores48 Thrd185 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6338N

32 Cores64 Thrd185 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Xeon Gold 6312U vs Xeon Gold 6338N Performance Spectrum

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.

Xeon Gold 6312U vs Xeon Gold 6338N 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 6312U vs Xeon Gold 6338N: 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 6312U

2021

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,555 less on MSRP ($1,645 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).
  • Delivers 96.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.8 vs 13.2 PassMark/$ ($1,645 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 48 MB).

Xeon Gold 6338N

2021

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 36 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Gold 6312U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (42,086 vs 42,443).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.2 vs 25.8 PassMark/$ ($3,200 MSRP vs $1,645 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6312U better than Xeon Gold 6338N?
Yes. Xeon Gold 6312U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 6312U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.1% 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 6312U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon Gold 6312U is the better buy right now. Xeon Gold 6312U comes in $1,555 cheaper on MSRP at $1,645 MSRP versus $3,200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 96.2% better value on MSRP (25.8 vs 13.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon Gold 6338N is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon Gold 6312U vs Xeon Gold 6338N Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon Gold 6312U

The Xeon Gold 6312U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 42,443 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Xeon Gold 6338N

The Xeon Gold 6338N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 42,086 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6312U packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6312U versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6312U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6312U scores 42,443 against the Xeon Gold 6338N's 42,086 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6312U. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6312U vs 48 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338N.

FeatureXeon Gold 6312UXeon Gold 6338N
Cores / Threads
24 / 48
32 / 64+33%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+3%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+9%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
48 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm
10 nm
Architecture
Ice Lake-SP (2021)
Ice Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark
42,443
42,086
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA4189 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6312U versus 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N — the Xeon Gold 6312U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 6144 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6312U) and LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N).

FeatureXeon Gold 6312UXeon Gold 6338N
Socket
LGA4189
LGA4189
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
3200+20%
2667
Max RAM Capacity
6144
6144
RAM Channels
8
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
64
64
🔧

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 6312U rivals EPYC 7413; Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513.

FeatureXeon Gold 6312UXeon Gold 6338N
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

At launch, the Xeon Gold 6312U was priced at $1645, while the Xeon Gold 6338N came in at $3200. On launch pricing ($1645 vs $3200), Xeon Gold 6312U was $1555 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6312U delivers 25.8 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338N — making the Xeon Gold 6312U the 64.9% better value option.

FeatureXeon Gold 6312UXeon Gold 6338N
MSRP
$1645-49%
$3200
Performance per Dollar
25.8+95%
13.2
Release Date
2021
2021

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