Xeon Gold 6438N vs Xeon Gold 6348
Xeon Gold 6438N
Xeon Gold 6348
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 Xeon Gold 6348
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($2,097) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+57%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($2,097) |
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 Xeon Gold 6348
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.
Xeon Gold 6348
The Xeon Gold 6348 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 42 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 235 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 51,843 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6348 offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438N has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6348 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6438N (base: 2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438N uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6348 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438N scores 52,789 against the Xeon Gold 6348's 51,843 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438N. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N vs 42 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6348.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+14% | 28 / 56 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+3% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.6 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB+43% | 42 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 | 52,789+2% | 51,843 |
| 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 Xeon Gold 6348 uses LGA4189 (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 Xeon Gold 6348 — the Xeon Gold 6348 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 64 (Xeon Gold 6348) — the Xeon Gold 6438N offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6348).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4189 |
| 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+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. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354; Xeon Gold 6348 rivals EPYC 7543.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Xeon Gold 6348 debuted at $3583. At current prices ($3351 vs $2097), the Xeon Gold 6348 is $1254 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 24.7 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6348 — making the Xeon Gold 6348 the 44.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6348 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351-6% | $3583 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $2097-37% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 24.7+56% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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