Xeon Gold 6338T vs Xeon w5-3425

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 6338T vs Xeon w5-3425 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 6338T vs Xeon w5-3425: 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 6338T

2021

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Draws 165W instead of 270W, a 105W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-3425 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (35,801 vs 36,178).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.4 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($3,139 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-3425 moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-3425

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,950 less on MSRP ($1,189 MSRP vs $3,139 MSRP).
✅Delivers 166.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.4 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($1,189 MSRP vs $3,139 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.
✅75% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 64) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 36 MB).
❌63.6% higher power demand at 270W vs 165W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-3425 better than Xeon Gold 6338T?

Yes. Xeon w5-3425 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 w5-3425 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.3% 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 w5-3425 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Xeon w5-3425 is the better buy right now. Xeon w5-3425 comes in $1,950 cheaper on MSRP at $1,189 MSRP versus $3,139 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 166.8% better value on MSRP (30.4 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), 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 w5-3425 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 24/48. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon Gold 6338T vs Xeon w5-3425 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6338T

The Xeon Gold 6338T 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,801 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon w5-3425

The Xeon w5-3425 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6338T packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w5-3425 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338T has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338T versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 — a 30% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3425 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6338T uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6338T scores 35,801 against the Xeon w5-3425's 36,178 — a 1% lead for the Xeon w5-3425. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338T vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-3425.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338T	Xeon w5-3425
Cores / Threads	24 / 48+100%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	4.6 GHz+35%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)+20%	30 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+100%
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Ice Lake-SP (2021)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	35,801	36,178+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 6338T uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338T versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 — the Xeon w5-3425 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338T supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6338T) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3425) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6338T) and W790 (Xeon w5-3425).

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338T	Xeon w5-3425
Socket	LGA4189	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	3200	DDR5-4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	6144 GB+50%	4096 GB
RAM Channels	8	8
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	64	112+75%

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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 6338T rivals EPYC 7443P.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338T	Xeon w5-3425
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Gold 6338T was priced at $3139, while the Xeon w5-3425 came in at $1189. On launch pricing ($3139 vs $1189), Xeon w5-3425 was $1950 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6338T delivers 11.4 pts/$ vs 30.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3425 — making the Xeon w5-3425 the 90.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6338T	Xeon w5-3425
MSRP	$3139	$1189-62%
Performance per Dollar	11.4	30.4+167%
Release Date	2021	2023

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