Xeon Gold 6538N vs EPYC 8224P
Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 8224P
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 8224P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,048) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Siena (2023−2024) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+509%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,048) |
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 8224P
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 8224P
The EPYC 8224P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.55 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,421 points. Launch price was $855.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6538N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 8224P 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 GHz on the EPYC 8224P — a 31% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.55 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 8224P uses Siena (2023−2024) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the EPYC 8224P's 45,421 — a 1.2% lead for the EPYC 8224P. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 8224P.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+33% | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+37% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.55 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+7% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Siena (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 44,895 | 45,421+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 8224P uses SP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6538N supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 1152 — 112.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs 6 (EPYC 8224P). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs 96 (EPYC 8224P) — the EPYC 8224P offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and SP6 (EPYC 8224P).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP6 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096+256% | 1152 |
| RAM Channels | 8+33% | 6 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 96+20% |
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 8224P). Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334; EPYC 8224P rivals Xeon Platinum 8452Y.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| 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 8224P debuted at $855. At current prices ($170 vs $1048), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $878 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 43.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 8224P — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 143.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 8224P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $855-74% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-84% | $1048 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+510% | 43.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon Gold 6538N and EPYC 8224P
