Xeon w5-2545 vs Xeon Gold 6338
Xeon w5-2545
Xeon Gold 6338
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 w5-2545
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6338
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,604) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+48%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,604) |
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 w5-2545 and Xeon Gold 6338
Xeon w5-2545
The Xeon w5-2545 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 210 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 40,782 points. Launch price was $889.
Xeon Gold 6338
The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-2545 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Xeon w5-2545 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 38% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2545 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon w5-2545 is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon w5-2545 scores 40,782 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon w5-2545. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2545 vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 32 / 64+167% |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+47% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+75% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | 48 MB+60% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | — |
| PassMark | 40,782+1% | 40,225 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-2545 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon w5-2545 versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 — the Xeon w5-2545 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w5-2545) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-2545) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).
| Feature | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 6144+200% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-2545 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 w5-2545 rivals Threadripper 7960X; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-2545 launched at $889 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6338 debuted at $2990. At current prices ($1100 vs $1604), the Xeon w5-2545 is $504 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-2545 delivers 37.1 pts/$ vs 25.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Xeon w5-2545 the 38.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2545 | Xeon Gold 6338 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $889-70% | $2990 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1100-31% | $1604 |
| Performance per Dollar | 37.1+48% | 25.1 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2021 |
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