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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

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6238 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 6238 specifications and capabilities.

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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.

Specification	Xeon Gold 6238
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	22C / 44T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 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	30.25 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	22 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	1.375 MB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	92 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	29,118

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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.

Specification	Xeon Gold 6238
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	2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	1024
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	6
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C621
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	4 (Multiprocessor)

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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.

Specification	Xeon Gold 6238
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 7402

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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.

Specification	Xeon Gold 6238
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	140 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	92 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	LGA3647 Server Grade

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Value Analysis

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

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