Xeon Gold 6538N vs Xeon w5-3525
Xeon Gold 6538N
Xeon w5-3525
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 w5-3525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+711%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) |
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 w5-3525
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 w5-3525
The Xeon w5-3525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 290 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 45,311 points. Launch price was $1,339.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6538N packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Xeon w5-3525 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 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3525 — a 15.7% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3525 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6538N uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon w5-3525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6538N scores 44,895 against the Xeon w5-3525's 45,311 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon w5-3525. L3 cache: 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N vs 45 MB on the Xeon w5-3525.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.8 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+52% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB (total)+33% | 45 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 44,895 | 45,311 |
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. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3525) — the Xeon w5-3525 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N) and W790 (Xeon w5-3525).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80 | 112+40% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-3525 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. 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 w5-3525 rivals Threadripper PRO 7955WX.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| 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 w5-3525 debuted at $1339. At current prices ($170 vs $1392), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $1222 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6538N delivers 264.1 pts/$ vs 32.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3525 — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 156.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6538N | Xeon w5-3525 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3351 | $1339-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-88% | $1392 |
| Performance per Dollar | 264.1+710% | 32.6 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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