Xeon Gold 6438N
Intel
PassMark
52,789
MSRP
$3351
AVG Price
$3351
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 6438N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 52,789 points. Launch price was $3,351.
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 6438N
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6438N 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 6438N specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6438N is a 32-core / 64-thread processor based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 60 MB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 52,789, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,500, while multi-core reaches 20,000.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 32C / 64T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 60 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80K (per core) |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 52,789 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,500 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 20,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438N fits into the LGA4677 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 80 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 GB across 8 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 6438N |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA4677 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 80 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4096 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 8 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C741 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
The Xeon Gold 6438N is primarily designed for Server. 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 9354.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Server |
| 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 9354 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6438N 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: Server Cooling.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 205 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Server Cooling |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $3,351, the Xeon Gold 6438N delivers 16 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #181 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6438N |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $3351 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $3351 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $3,351 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #181 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 10 January 2023 (2 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6438N
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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