CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6526Y
Xeon Gold 6338N
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 6526Y
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6338N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,878) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,878) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
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 6526Y and Xeon Gold 6338N
Xeon Gold 6526Y
The Xeon Gold 6526Y 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 195 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,195 points. Launch price was $1,517.
Xeon Gold 6338N
The Xeon Gold 6338N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 42,086 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6526Y packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6526Y versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6526Y (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6526Y uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6526Y scores 43,195 against the Xeon Gold 6338N's 42,086 — a 2.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6526Y. L3 cache: 37.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6526Y vs 48 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338N.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+11% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB (total) | 48 MB (total)+28% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 43,195+3% | 42,086 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6526Y uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5200 on the Xeon Gold 6526Y versus 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N — the Xeon Gold 6526Y supports 64.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338N) — the Xeon Gold 6526Y offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) and LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5200+95% | 2667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144+50% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+25% | 64 |
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. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6526Y rivals EPYC 9334; Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6526Y launched at $2878 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6338N debuted at $3200.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2878-10% | $3200 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $3200 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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