CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
EPYC 9254
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 9254
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+175%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) |
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 9254
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 9254
The EPYC 9254 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.15 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 64,344 points. Launch price was $2,299.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 9254 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 4.15 GHz on the EPYC 9254 — a 3.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 9254 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 9254 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ scores 62,660 against the EPYC 9254's 64,344 — a 2.7% lead for the EPYC 9254. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9254.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.15 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.9 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 128 MB (total)+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 62,660 | 64,344+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,233 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,023 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9254 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9254 — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 12 (EPYC 9254). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 128 (EPYC 9254) — the EPYC 9254 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) and SP5 (EPYC 9254).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144 GB+157286300% |
| 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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs AMD-V (EPYC 9254). Primary use case: EPYC 9254 targets Enterprise Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354; EPYC 9254 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Enterprise Server |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ launched at $2607 MSRP, while the EPYC 9254 debuted at $3761. At current prices ($389 vs $1099), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $710 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ delivers 161.1 pts/$ vs 58.5 pts/$ for the EPYC 9254 — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 93.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | EPYC 9254 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2607-31% | $3761 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389-65% | $1099 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.1+175% | 58.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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