CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6421N
Xeon Gold 6542Y
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 Xeon Gold 6542Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,427) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+16%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,427) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
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 Xeon Gold 6542Y
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.
Xeon Gold 6542Y
The Xeon Gold 6542Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,144 points. Launch price was $2,878.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6421N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6542Y offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6421N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6542Y — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6542Y (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6421N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6542Y uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6421N scores 58,797 against the Xeon Gold 6542Y's 60,144 — a 2.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6542Y. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6542Y.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.9 GHz+61% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 60 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 58,797 | 60,144+2% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 80 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6542Y).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 80 |
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 6421N rivals EPYC 9354; Xeon Gold 6542Y rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6421N launched at $2368 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6542Y debuted at $2878.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6421N | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2368-18% | $2878 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2427 | — |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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