Xeon Gold 6438N vs Xeon w5-2565X
Xeon Gold 6438N
Xeon w5-2565X
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 w5-2565X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,389) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+139%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,351) | ✅ More affordable ($1,389) |
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 w5-2565X
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 w5-2565X
The Xeon w5-2565X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 52,378 points. Launch price was $1,339.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon w5-2565X offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438N has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438N versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2565X — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2565X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.2 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 w5-2565X's 52,378 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438N. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438N vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon w5-2565X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+78% | 18 / 36 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.8 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+60% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB+60% | 37.5 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 | 52,378 |
| 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 4800 on the Xeon w5-2565X — the Xeon w5-2565X supports 199.6% 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 112 (Xeon w5-2565X) — the Xeon w5-2565X offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438N) and W790 (Xeon w5-2565X).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+104857500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 112+40% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-2565X 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6438N targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438N rivals EPYC 9354; Xeon w5-2565X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| 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 w5-2565X debuted at $1389. At current prices ($3351 vs $1389), the Xeon w5-2565X is $1962 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 37.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2565X — making the Xeon w5-2565X the 82.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438N | Xeon w5-2565X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $1389-59% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3351 | $1389-59% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.8 | 37.7+139% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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