Xeon Gold 6538N vs EPYC 7402P
Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 7402P
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 6538N
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7402P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,090) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+558%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,090) |
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 6538N and EPYC 7402P
Xeon Gold 6538N
The Xeon Gold 6538N 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 44,895 points. Launch price was $3,351.
EPYC 7402P
The EPYC 7402P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 43,759 points. Launch price was $1,250.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6538N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 7402P offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7402P — a 20.1% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7402P uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the EPYC 7402P's 43,759 — a 2.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7402P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+22% | 3.35 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.8 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 44,895+3% | 43,759 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7402P uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus 3200 on the EPYC 7402P — the Xeon Gold 6538N 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 6538N) vs 128 (EPYC 7402P) — the EPYC 7402P offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and SP3 (EPYC 7402P).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7402P). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334; EPYC 7402P rivals Xeon Gold 6248.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6538N launched at $3351 MSRP, while the EPYC 7402P debuted at $1280. At current prices ($170 vs $1090), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $920 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 40.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 7402P — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 147.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $1280-62% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-84% | $1090 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+559% | 40.1 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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