Xeon Gold 6538N vs Xeon Silver 4416+
Xeon Gold 6538N
Xeon Silver 4416+
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 Xeon Silver 4416+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,176) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+604%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,176) |
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 Xeon Silver 4416+
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.
Xeon Silver 4416+
The Xeon Silver 4416+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4000. Passmark benchmark score: 44,140 points. Launch price was $1,186.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6538N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4416+ offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4416+ — a 5% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Silver 4416+ uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the Xeon Silver 4416+'s 44,140 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon Silver 4416+.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+60% | 20 / 40 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+5% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz+5% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total)+60% | 37.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 44,895+2% | 44,140 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 80 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and C741 (Xeon Silver 4416+).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 80 |
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 6538N rivals EPYC 9334; Xeon Silver 4416+ rivals EPYC 9254.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6538N launched at $3351 MSRP, while the Xeon Silver 4416+ debuted at $1186. At current prices ($170 vs $1176), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $1006 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 37.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Silver 4416+ — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 150.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon Silver 4416+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $1186-65% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-86% | $1176 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+604% | 37.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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