
Xeon Gold 6238
Intel
PassMark
29,118
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 6238 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30.25 MB. L2 cache: 22 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 29,118 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 6238
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6238 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 6238 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6238 is a 22-core / 44-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 30.25 MB of L3 cache, plus 22 MB of L2 cache and 1.375 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 29,118, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 22C / 44T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 30.25 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 22 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 1.375 MB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 92 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 29,118 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6238 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2933 memory at speeds up to 2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 1024 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 6238 |
|---|---|
| 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 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | 2933 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 1024 |
| 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
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). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 7402.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | EPYC 7402 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6238 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 140 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: LGA3647 Server Grade.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 140 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 92 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | LGA3647 Server Grade |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #455 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6238 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $2,612 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #455 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2 April 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
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