Xeon Silver 4416+ vs Xeon Gold 6538N
Xeon Silver 4416+
Xeon Gold 6538N
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 Silver 4416+
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,176) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+604%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,176) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
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 Silver 4416+ and Xeon Gold 6538N
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon Silver 4416+ packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6538N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4416+ versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N — a 5% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6538N (base: 2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon Silver 4416+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Silver 4416+ scores 44,140 against the Xeon Gold 6538N's 44,895 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6538N. L3 cache: 37.5 MB on the Xeon Silver 4416+ vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40 | 32 / 64+60% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.1 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.1 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB | 60 MB (total)+60% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 44,140 | 44,895+2% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 4.0. 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 Silver 4416+) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N).
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| 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 Silver 4416+ rivals EPYC 9254; Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Silver 4416+ launched at $1186 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6538N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($1176 vs $170), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $1006 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Silver 4416+ delivers 37.5 pts/$ vs 264.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6538N — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 150.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4416+ | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1186-65% | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1176 | $170-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 37.5 | 264.1+604% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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