Xeon w5-3525 vs Xeon Gold 6538N
Xeon w5-3525
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 w5-3525
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6538N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+711%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,392) | ✅ 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 w5-3525 and Xeon Gold 6538N
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.
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 w5-3525 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6538N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6538N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-3525 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6538N — a 15.7% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3525 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon w5-3525 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6538N uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3525 scores 45,311 against the Xeon Gold 6538N's 44,895 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon w5-3525. L3 cache: 45 MB on the Xeon w5-3525 vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6538N.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+17% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+52% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 45 MB | 60 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 45,311 | 44,895 |
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: 112 (Xeon w5-3525) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6538N) — the Xeon w5-3525 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3525) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6538N).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 112+40% | 80 |
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 w5-3525 rivals Threadripper PRO 7955WX; Xeon Gold 6538N rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 w5-3525 launched at $1339 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6538N debuted at $3351. At current prices ($1392 vs $170), the Xeon Gold 6538N is $1222 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-3525 delivers 32.6 pts/$ vs 264.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6538N — making the Xeon Gold 6538N the 156.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3525 | Xeon Gold 6538N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1339-60% | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1392 | $170-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.6 | 264.1+710% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
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