Xeon Gold 6421N vs EPYC 7642
Xeon Gold 6421N
EPYC 7642
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 6421N
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7642
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) | ✅ More affordable ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+188%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) | ✅ More affordable ($850) |
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 6421N and EPYC 7642
Xeon Gold 6421N
The Xeon Gold 6421N 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,797 points. Launch price was $2,368.
EPYC 7642
The EPYC 7642 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 59,333 points. Launch price was $4,775.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6421N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6421N (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6421N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6421N scores 58,797 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7642. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7642.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 48 / 96+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.4 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 256 MB (total)+327% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 58,797 | 59,333 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6421N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7642 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6421N versus 3200 on the EPYC 7642 — the Xeon Gold 6421N supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6421N) vs 128 (EPYC 7642) — the EPYC 7642 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6421N supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6421N rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6421N launched at $2368 MSRP, while the EPYC 7642 debuted at $4775. At current prices ($2427 vs $850), the EPYC 7642 is $1577 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6421N delivers 24.2 pts/$ vs 69.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7642 — making the EPYC 7642 the 96.9% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2368-50% | $4775 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2427 | $850-65% |
| Performance per Dollar | 24.2 | 69.8+188% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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