Xeon Gold 6438N vs EPYC 7502
Xeon Gold 6438N
EPYC 7502
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 7502
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,299) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+155%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,299) |
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 7502
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 7502
The EPYC 7502 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 52,107 points. Launch price was $2,600.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6438N and EPYC 7502 share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7502 — a 7.2% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6438N (base: 2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7502 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438N scores 52,789 against the EPYC 7502's 52,107 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438N. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7502.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+7% | 3.35 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.5 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 128 MB (total)+113% |
| 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 | 52,789+1% | 52,107 |
| 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 7502 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 3200 on the EPYC 7502 — the EPYC 7502 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 GB of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs 128 (EPYC 7502) — the EPYC 7502 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and SP3 (EPYC 7502).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 3200+63900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+104857500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
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. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 7502 rivals Xeon Gold 6338.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438N launched at $3351 MSRP, while the EPYC 7502 debuted at $2600. At current prices ($3351 vs $1299), the EPYC 7502 is $2052 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 40.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 7502 — making the EPYC 7502 the 87.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 7502 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $2600-22% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $1299-61% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 40.1+154% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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