Xeon Gold 6438N vs EPYC 4545P
Xeon Gold 6438N
EPYC 4545P
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 6438N
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 4545P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($595) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Grado (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+479%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($595) |
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 6438N and EPYC 4545P
Xeon Gold 6438N
The Xeon Gold 6438N 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 2 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): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 52,789 points. Launch price was $3,351.
EPYC 4545P
The EPYC 4545P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 May 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Grado (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 54,255 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 4545P offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 5.4 GHz on the EPYC 4545P — a 40% clock advantage for the EPYC 4545P (base: 2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 4545P uses Grado (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438N scores 52,789 against the EPYC 4545P's 54,255 — a 2.7% lead for the EPYC 4545P. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 4545P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 5.4 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 64 MB (total)+7% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Grado (2025) |
| PassMark | 52,789 | 54,255+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 20,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 4545P uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 5600 on the EPYC 4545P — the EPYC 4545P supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438N supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs 2 (EPYC 4545P). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs 28 (EPYC 4545P) — the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 52 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and AM5 (EPYC 4545P).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 5600+111900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+2236962033% | 192 |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+186% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the EPYC 4545P has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 4545P). The EPYC 4545P includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6438N requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 4545P rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438N launched at $3351 MSRP, while the EPYC 4545P debuted at $549. At current prices ($3351 vs $595), the EPYC 4545P is $2756 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 91.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 4545P — making the EPYC 4545P the 141.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 4545P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $549-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $595-82% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 91.2+477% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon Gold 6438N and EPYC 4545P
