Xeon Gold 6438N vs EPYC 9174F
Xeon Gold 6438N
EPYC 9174F
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 9174F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10956%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 9174F
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 9174F
The EPYC 9174F is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 52,249 points. Launch price was $3,850.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 9174F 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 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9174F — a 20% clock advantage for the EPYC 9174F (base: 2 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 9174F uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438N scores 52,789 against the EPYC 9174F's 52,249 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438N. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9174F.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 4.1 GHz+105% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 256 MB (total)+327% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 52,789+1% | 52,249 |
| 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 9174F uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 4800 on the EPYC 9174F — the EPYC 9174F supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9174F supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs 12 (EPYC 9174F). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438N) vs 128 (EPYC 9174F) — the EPYC 9174F offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and SP5 (EPYC 9174F).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+69904967% | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| 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 9174F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| 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 9174F debuted at $194. At current prices ($3351 vs $30), the EPYC 9174F is $3321 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 1741.6 pts/$ for the EPYC 9174F — making the EPYC 9174F the 196.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $194-94% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $30-99% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 1741.6+10923% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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