CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6346
Xeon Gold 6426Y
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 6426Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($2,145) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($2,145) |
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 6426Y
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 6426Y
The Xeon Gold 6426Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 37,944 points. Launch price was $1,517.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6346 and Xeon Gold 6426Y share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6426Y — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6426Y (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6346 uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6426Y uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6346 scores 37,739 against the Xeon Gold 6426Y's 37,944 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon Gold 6426Y. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346 vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+24% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 37.5 MB+4% |
| 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 | 37,739 | 37,944 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6346 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6426Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6426Y — the Xeon Gold 6426Y supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6346 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6346) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) — the Xeon Gold 6426Y offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6346) and LGA4677 (Xeon Gold 6426Y).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 4800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+50% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 80+25% |
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 6426Y rivals EPYC 8124P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6426Y debuted at $2145.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2708 | $2145-21% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2195 | — |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2023 |
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