Xeon Gold 6538N vs EPYC 7542
Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 7542
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 7542
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+423%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) |
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 7542
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 7542
The EPYC 7542 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon Gold 6538N and EPYC 7542 share an identical 32-core/64-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 1% lead for the EPYC 7542. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64 | 32 / 64 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+21% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.9 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 44,895 | 45,359+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7542 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 7542 — 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 7542) — the EPYC 7542 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 7542). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 7542 debuted at $3400. At current prices ($170 vs $899), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $729 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 50.5 pts/$ for the EPYC 7542 — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 135.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351-1% | $3400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-81% | $899 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+423% | 50.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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