Xeon Gold 6246R
Intel
PassMark
30,468
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 6246R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 30,468 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 6246R
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6246R 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 6246R specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6246R 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 4.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 35.75 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 30,468, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,293, while multi-core reaches 9,848. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 16,000.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246R |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 32T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.1 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.4 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 | 35.75 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) | 75 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 30,468 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 16,000 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,293 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 9,848 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6246R 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 DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 1024 GB across 6 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246R |
|---|---|
| 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 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 1024 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 6 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Lewisburg |
Advanced Features
The Xeon Gold 6246R is primarily designed for High-frequency Server / Financial. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 7302.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246R |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | High-frequency Server / Financial |
| 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, EPT |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | EPYC 7302 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6246R has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 205 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 high-performance cooling.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246R |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 205 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 75 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | LGA3647 high-performance cooling |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #421 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6246R |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $3,286 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #421 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 24 February 2020 (5 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6246R
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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