Xeon Gold 6438N vs Xeon Gold 6430
Xeon Gold 6438N
Xeon Gold 6430
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 6430
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+82%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,850) |
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 6430
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 6430
The Xeon Gold 6430 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 53,066 points. Launch price was $2,138.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6438N and Xeon Gold 6430 share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6430 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6438N (base: 2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438N scores 52,789 against the Xeon Gold 6430's 53,066 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon Gold 6430. Both processors carry 60 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.1 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 52,789 | 53,066 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 20,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 4400 on the Xeon Gold 6430 — the Xeon Gold 6430 supports 199.5% 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. Both provide 80 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6430).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4400+87900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+104857500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 80 |
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 6430 rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6430 debuted at $2128. At current prices ($3351 vs $1850), the Xeon Gold 6430 is $1501 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 28.7 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6430 — making the Xeon Gold 6430 the 58.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon Gold 6430 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $2128-36% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $1850-45% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 28.7+82% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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