Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
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 Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1049%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($4,491) |
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 Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
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.
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 62,946 points. Launch price was $1,999.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ and Ryzen Threadripper 3970X share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ scores 62,660 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 62,946 — a 0.5% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs 128 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+85% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB | 128 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 62,660 | 62,946 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 44,510 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,664 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,739 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X) — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 256 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+25% | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3970X). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354; Ryzen Threadripper 3970X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ launched at $2607 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X debuted at $4491. At current prices ($389 vs $4491), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $4102 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ delivers 161.1 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 168% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Ryzen Threadripper 3970X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2607-42% | $4491 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389-91% | $4491 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.1+1051% | 14.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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