Xeon Gold 6338 vs Xeon w5-2545

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 6338 vs Xeon w5-2545 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 6338 vs Xeon w5-2545: 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 6338

2021

Why buy it

✅+60% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Draws 205W instead of 210W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2545 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (40,225 vs 40,782).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 45.9 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2545 moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2545

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,101 less on MSRP ($889 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 241.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.9 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($889 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 48 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2545 better than Xeon Gold 6338?

Yes. Xeon w5-2545 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon w5-2545 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.1% 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 w5-2545 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Xeon w5-2545 is the better buy right now. Xeon w5-2545 comes in $2,101 cheaper on MSRP at $889 MSRP versus $2,990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 241.0% better value on MSRP (45.9 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), 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 w5-2545 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon Gold 6338 vs Xeon w5-2545 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6338

The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon w5-2545

The Xeon w5-2545 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 210 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 40,782 points. Launch price was $889.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6338 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon w5-2545 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon w5-2545 — a 38% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2545 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon w5-2545 is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6338 scores 40,225 against the Xeon w5-2545's 40,782 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon w5-2545. L3 cache: 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338 vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2545.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338	Xeon w5-2545
Cores / Threads	32 / 64+167%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.7 GHz+47%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.5 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	48 MB+60%	30 MB
L2 Cache	—	2 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	—	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	40,225	40,782+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 6338 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2545 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2545 — the Xeon w5-2545 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6338) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2545). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6338) and W790 (Xeon w5-2545).

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338	Xeon w5-2545
Socket	LGA4189	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	3200	4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	6144+200%	2048
RAM Channels	8+100%	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	64	64

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Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-2545 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543; Xeon w5-2545 rivals Threadripper 7960X.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338	Xeon w5-2545
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Gold 6338 was priced at $2990, while the Xeon w5-2545 came in at $889. On launch pricing ($2990 vs $889), Xeon w5-2545 was $2101 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6338 delivers 13.5 pts/$ vs 45.9 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2545 — making the Xeon w5-2545 the 109.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338	Xeon w5-2545
MSRP	$2990	$889-70%
Performance per Dollar	13.5	45.9+240%
Release Date	2021	2024

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