Xeon Gold 6538N vs EPYC 9124
Xeon Gold 6538N
EPYC 9124
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 9124
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+555%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
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 9124
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 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6538N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the EPYC 9124 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 9124 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the EPYC 9124's 43,638 — a 2.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+11% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3 GHz+43% |
| 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, 6 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 44,895+3% | 43,638 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,770 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9124 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9124 — the Xeon Gold 6538N supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs 12 (EPYC 9124). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs 128 (EPYC 9124) — the EPYC 9124 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and SP5 (EPYC 9124).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 6144 GB+157286300% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| 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 AMD-V (EPYC 9124). Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334; EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6538N launched at $3351 MSRP, while the EPYC 9124 debuted at $1083. At current prices ($170 vs $1083), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $913 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 40.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9124 — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 147% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $1083-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-84% | $1083 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+555% | 40.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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