Xeon w7-3545 vs Xeon Gold 6421N
Xeon w7-3545
Xeon Gold 6421N
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 w7-3545
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6421N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,039) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,039) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,427) |
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 w7-3545 and Xeon Gold 6421N
Xeon w7-3545
The Xeon w7-3545 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 67.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 310 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 58,453 points. Launch price was $2,039.
Xeon Gold 6421N
The Xeon Gold 6421N 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 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,797 points. Launch price was $2,368.
Processing Power
The Xeon w7-3545 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6421N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6421N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w7-3545 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6421N — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon w7-3545 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Both are built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon w7-3545 scores 58,453 against the Xeon Gold 6421N's 58,797 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6421N. L3 cache: 67.5 MB on the Xeon w7-3545 vs 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6421N.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+33% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+50% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 67.5 MB+13% | 60 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 58,453 | 58,797 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w7-3545 versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6421N — the Xeon Gold 6421N supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 GB of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w7-3545) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6421N) — the Xeon w7-3545 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel W790 (Xeon w7-3545) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6421N).
| Feature | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+104857500% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+40% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w7-3545 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. Virtualization support: true (Xeon w7-3545) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6421N). Direct competitor: Xeon w7-3545 rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX; Xeon Gold 6421N rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w7-3545 launched at $2039 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6421N debuted at $2368. At current prices ($2039 vs $2427), the Xeon w7-3545 is $388 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w7-3545 delivers 28.7 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6421N — making the Xeon w7-3545 the 16.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w7-3545 | Xeon Gold 6421N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2039-14% | $2368 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2039-16% | $2427 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.7+19% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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