Xeon Gold 6238
CPU·Mid-Range

Xeon Gold 6238

Intel

PassMark

29,118

2 April 2019 (6 years ago)
140 Watt
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6238

#24
Xeon Gold 6130H
MSRP: $1894|Avg: N/A
120%
#38
Xeon Gold 6238
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#41
Xeon W-2195
MSRP: $150|Avg: $5
95%
#50
Xeon Gold 6238R
MSRP: $2612|Avg: N/A
74%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationXeon Gold 6238
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units22C / 44T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCascade Lake (2019−2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores30.25 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data22 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache1.375 MB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)92 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score29,118
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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.

SpecificationXeon Gold 6238
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SeriesProduct familyIntel Xeon Gold
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA3647
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion48
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-2933
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory1024
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel6
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUC621
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers4 (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.

SpecificationXeon Gold 6238
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerEPYC 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.

SpecificationXeon Gold 6238
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload140 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)92 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLGA3647 Server Grade
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #455 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon Gold 6238
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$2,612
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#455
Release DateLaunch date2 April 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

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