Xeon Gold 6346 vs Xeon Gold 5320
Xeon Gold 6346
Xeon Gold 5320
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 6346
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($1,834) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+19%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($1,834) |
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 6346 and Xeon Gold 5320
Xeon Gold 6346
The Xeon Gold 6346 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,739 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon Gold 5320
The Xeon Gold 5320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 26 cores and 52 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 39 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 37,558 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6346 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5320 offers 26 cores / 52 threads — the Xeon Gold 5320 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5320 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6346 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6346 scores 37,739 against the Xeon Gold 5320's 37,558 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon Gold 6346. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346 vs 39 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5320.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 26 / 52+63% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+41% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 39 MB (total)+8% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 37,739 | 37,558 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4189 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 5320 — the Xeon Gold 6346 supports 8.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 6144 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6346) and C621A (Xeon Gold 5320).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+9% | 2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
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 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3; Xeon Gold 5320 rivals EPYC 7452.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6346 launched at $2708 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5320 debuted at $1780. At current prices ($2195 vs $1834), the Xeon Gold 5320 is $361 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6346 delivers 17.2 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5320 — making the Xeon Gold 5320 the 17.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 5320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2708 | $1780-34% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2195 | $1834-16% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.2 | 20.5+19% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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