Xeon Gold 6426Y vs Xeon Gold 6346
Xeon Gold 6426Y
Xeon Gold 6346
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 6426Y
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6346
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) |
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 6426Y and Xeon Gold 6346
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6426Y and Xeon Gold 6346 share an identical 16-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6426Y versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 — a 13% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6426Y (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6426Y uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6426Y scores 37,944 against the Xeon Gold 6346's 37,739 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon Gold 6426Y. L3 cache: 37.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6426Y vs 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+14% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.1 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB+4% | 36 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 37,944 | 37,739 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6426Y uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6426Y versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 — 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: 80 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6346) — the Xeon Gold 6426Y offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA4677 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6346).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144+50% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+25% | 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 6426Y rivals EPYC 8124P; Xeon Gold 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6426Y launched at $2145 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6346 debuted at $2708.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2145-21% | $2708 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $2195 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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