Xeon Gold 6338 vs Xeon w5-2545
Xeon Gold 6338
Xeon w5-2545
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 6338
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w5-2545
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6338 | Xeon w5-2545 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,604) | ✅ More affordable ($1,100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6338 | Xeon w5-2545 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+48%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,604) | ✅ More affordable ($1,100) |
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 6338 and Xeon w5-2545
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.
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% |
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 40% 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 — 100% 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6338 launched at $2990 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-2545 debuted at $889. At current prices ($1604 vs $1100), the Xeon w5-2545 is $504 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6338 delivers 25.1 pts/$ vs 37.1 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2545 — making the Xeon w5-2545 the 38.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6338 | Xeon w5-2545 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2990 | $889-70% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1604 | $1100-31% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.1 | 37.1+48% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2024 |
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