Xeon Gold 6242
Intel
PassMark
24,994
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 6242 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 24,994 points. Launch price was $2,529.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6242 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Deadlock
Hearts of Iron IV
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Once Human
Palworld
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 6242 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6242 is a 16-core / 32-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 22 MB of L3 cache, plus 16 MB of L2 cache and 1 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 24,994, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6242 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 32T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.8 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 | 22 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 16 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 1 MB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 85 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 24,994 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6242 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2933 memory.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6242 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2933 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6242 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 150 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6242 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 150 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 85 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #570 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6242 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $2,529 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #570 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2 April 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | Intel Xeon Gold |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $2,529 |
| Release Date | 2 April 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 570 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 16 |
| Threads | 32 |
| Bus Type | DMI 3.0 |
| L1 Cache | 1 MB |
| L2 Cache | 16 MB |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB |
| Bus Speed | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 28 |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 85 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 150 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4-2933 |
| Memory Channels | 6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 140.8 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 1 TB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6242
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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