CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 7543
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 6438Y+
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7543
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($468) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm+) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($468) |
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 6438Y+ and EPYC 7543
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ 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 4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 62,660 points. Launch price was $3,141.
EPYC 7543
The EPYC 7543 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm+ process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,952 points. Launch price was $3,761.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ and EPYC 7543 share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7543 — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ (base: 2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 7543 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm+). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ scores 62,660 against the EPYC 7543's 62,952 — a 0.5% lead for the EPYC 7543. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7543.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+8% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.8 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 256 MB (total)+327% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm+-30% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Milan (2021−2023) |
| PassMark | 62,660 | 62,952 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7543 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 3200 on the EPYC 7543 — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 128 (EPYC 7543) — the EPYC 7543 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) and SP3 (EPYC 7543).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 128+60% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 7543 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ launched at $2607 MSRP, while the EPYC 7543 debuted at $10257. At current prices ($389 vs $468), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $79 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ delivers 161.1 pts/$ vs 134.5 pts/$ for the EPYC 7543 — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 18% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 7543 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2607-75% | $10257 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389-17% | $468 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.1+20% | 134.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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