Xeon Gold 6330N vs Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon Gold 6330N
Xeon Gold 6242R
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 6330N
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6242R
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,798) | ✅ More affordable ($779) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+129%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,798) | ✅ More affordable ($779) |
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 6330N and Xeon Gold 6242R
Xeon Gold 6330N
The Xeon Gold 6330N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 42 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 36,360 points. Launch price was $800.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6330N packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6330N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6330N versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6242R (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6242R is built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6330N scores 36,360 against the Xeon Gold 6242R's 36,011 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6330N. L3 cache: 42 MB on the Xeon Gold 6330N vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56+40% | 20 / 40 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.1 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.1 GHz+41% |
| L3 Cache | 42 MB+17% | 35.75 MB |
| L2 Cache | — | 20 MB |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 36,360 | 36,011 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6330N uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6330N versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R — the Xeon Gold 6242R supports 9.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6330N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 1024 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6330N) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6330N) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) — the Xeon Gold 6330N offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6330N) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2667 | 2933+10% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+500% | 1024 |
| RAM Channels | 8+33% | 6 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+33% | 48 |
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 6330N rivals EPYC 7413; Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6330N launched at $2389 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6242R debuted at $2977. At current prices ($1798 vs $779), the Xeon Gold 6242R is $1019 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6330N delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 46.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6242R — making the Xeon Gold 6242R the 78.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6330N | Xeon Gold 6242R |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2389-20% | $2977 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1798 | $779-57% |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.2 | 46.2+129% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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