Xeon Gold 6338N vs Ryzen AI Max 390
Xeon Gold 6338N
Ryzen AI Max 390
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 6338N
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 6338N and Ryzen AI Max 390
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.
Ryzen AI Max 390
The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6338N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 390 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6338N uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6338N scores 42,086 against the Ryzen AI Max 390's 41,834 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338N. L3 cache: 48 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338N vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+167% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 5 GHz+43% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 4 nm-60% |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | Strix Halo (2025) |
| PassMark | 42,086 | 41,834 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6338N uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6338N) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6338N) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) — the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | FP11 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2667 | 8000+200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+4700% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+129% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6338N) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390). The Ryzen AI Max 390 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon 8050S), while the Xeon Gold 6338N requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513; Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | AMD Radeon 8050S |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6338N launched at $3200 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 debuted at $0. At current prices ($3200 vs $0), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $3200 cheaper.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6338N | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3200 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3200 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 13.2 | — |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2025 |
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