Xeon Gold 6246
Intel
PassMark
22,571
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 6246 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,571 points. Launch price was $3,286.
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 6246
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6246 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 6246 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6246 is a 12-core / 24-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24.75 MB of L3 cache, plus 12 MB of L2 cache and 768 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 22,571, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 12C / 24T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.3 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 | 24.75 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 12 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 768 kB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 76 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 22,571 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6246 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2933 memory.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246 |
|---|---|
| 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 6246 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 165 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 76 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #660 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $3,286 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #660 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2 April 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6246
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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