Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs Xeon Gold 5520+
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
Xeon Gold 5520+
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 Xeon Gold 5520+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($764) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+101%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($764) |
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 Xeon Gold 5520+
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.
Xeon Gold 5520+
The Xeon Gold 5520+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 61,227 points. Launch price was $1,640.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5520+ offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5520+ — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5520+ uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ scores 62,660 against the Xeon Gold 5520+'s 61,227 — a 2.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs 52.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5520+.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+14% | 28 / 56 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.2 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB+14% | 52.5 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 62,660+2% | 61,227 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 25,000 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon Gold 5520+ — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 199.6% 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. Both provide 80 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) and C741 (Xeon Gold 5520+).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 GB+104857500% |
| 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 5520+ targets Enterprise Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354; Xeon Gold 5520+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | Enterprise Server |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ launched at $2607 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5520+ debuted at $1083. At current prices ($389 vs $764), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is $375 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ delivers 161.1 pts/$ vs 80.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5520+ — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 67.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2607 | $1083-58% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389-49% | $764 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.1+101% | 80.1 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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