Xeon Gold 6138
Intel
PassMark
24,108
MSRP
$2612
AVG Price
$300
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.
Overview
The Xeon Gold 6138 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 24,108 points. Launch price was $2,612.
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 6138
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6138 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 6138 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6138 is a 20-core / 40-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 27.5 MB of L3 cache, plus 20 MB of L2 cache and 1.25 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 24,108, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,261, while multi-core reaches 15,439.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6138 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 20C / 40T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 27.5 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 20 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 1.25 MB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 86 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 24,108 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,261 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 15,439 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6138 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 GB across 6 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6138 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Xeon Gold |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA3647 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 48 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 768 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 6 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C621 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Xeon Gold 6138 is primarily designed for Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6138 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Server |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ✅ Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6138 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Server Passive.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6138 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 125 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 86 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Server Passive |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $300 (MSRP: $2612), the Xeon Gold 6138 delivers 80 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #610 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6138 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $2612 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $300 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $2,612 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #610 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 25 April 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6138
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