Xeon Gold 6554S
Intel
PassMark
50,777
MSRP
$3157
AVG Price
$2836
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 6554S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 36 cores and 72 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 180 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5 @ 5200 MT/s (1 DPC). Passmark benchmark score: 50,777 points. Launch price was $3,157.
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 6554S
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 6554S across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Destiny 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Genshin Impact
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 6554S specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6554S is a 36-core / 72-thread processor based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 180 MB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 50,777, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6554S |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 36C / 72T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 180 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 2x 763 mm2 |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 50,777 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6554S fits into the LGA4677 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 80 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 @ 5200 MT/s (1 DPC) memory at speeds up to 5200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 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 6554S |
|---|---|
| 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 @ 5200 MT/s (1 DPC) |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | 5200 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4096 |
| 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
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 9384X.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6554S |
|---|---|
| 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 9384X |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 6554S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 270 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: Premium Server Cooler.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6554S |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 270 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Premium Server Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $2,836 (MSRP: $3157), the Xeon Gold 6554S delivers 18 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #197 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 6554S |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $3157 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $2836 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $3,157 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #197 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 14 December 2023 (1 year ago) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 6554S
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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