CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6517P vs Intel Xeon 6738P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6517P is a 16-core, 32-thread server processor built on the Intel 3 process, launching in Q1 2025 for two-socket data center platforms with eight-channel DDR5-6400 memory and 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel AMX accelerates matrix operations for inference and certain training workloads.
- Integrated accelerators (DSA, IAA, DLB, QAT) offload data movement and cryptography.
- Intel AMX accelerates matrix operations for inference and some training workloads.
- Integrated DSA, IAA, DLB, and QAT offload data movement and crypto tasks common in AI pipelines.
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Xeon 6738P is a server/workstation processor without integrated graphics.
- Single-core performance is respectable but gaming workloads are not the target use case.
- Consumer platforms typically offer better price/performance for gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 16 cores and 32 threads with strong turbo frequencies.
- Eight DDR5 channels up to 6400 MT/s.
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes per socket.
- Intel AMX and on-die accelerators (DSA, IAA, DLB, QAT).
- Comprehensive security features including TDX and SGX.
Cons
- No integrated graphics.
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking flexibility.
- High TDP of 190 W demands robust cooling.
- Requires specialized server platforms and FCLGA4710 motherboards.
- May be overprovisioned for light workloads due to enterprise feature set.
Pros
- 32 cores and 64 threads for high parallelism
- Large 144 MB L3 cache reduces memory latency
- Eight DDR5-6400 memory channels
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes for extensive I/O
- Integrated accelerators: AMX, DSA, IAA, DLB, QAT
- Multi-socket scalability up to 8 sockets
Cons
- High 270 W TDP requires robust cooling
- No integrated graphics
- Not intended for consumer desktop or gaming
- Xeon platforms incur higher total cost of ownership
- Limited upgrade path beyond the Xeon 6 series
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6517P
- AMD EPYC 8354P (Zen 4)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9354P (Zen 5)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 7543 (Zen 3)Rival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6520PRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6506PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 8354PAlt
Strong 32-core single-socket option with 12 DDR5 channels.
- Intel Xeon 6 6700P series higher-core SKUsAlt
More cores per socket for heavily threaded workloads.
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8480+Alt
Higher core count in the prior Emerald Rapids generation.
- AMD EPYC 9354PAlt
Competes in efficiency and throughput in similar power envelopes.
- Intel Xeon Gold 6554SAlt
Legacy 4th Gen Xeon Scalable with strong per-core performance.
Intel Xeon 6738P
- AMD EPYC 8324PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9354PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9454PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9554Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9684XRival
Server
Slightly lower core count and TDP for smaller scale deployments.
Compare head-to-headMore balanced core count and power for moderate workloads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD EPYC 9254Alt
24-core option for lower-power requirements.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable mid-tier data center processor with generous I/O and strong acceleration features, ideal for virtualized and analytics-heavy environments.
Best for: New dual-socket deployments focused on virtualization, databases, and analytics.
Read the full reviewA strong data center processor with high core count, large L3 cache, and accelerators for AI and analytics, provided you can accommodate its 270 W TDP and platform requirements.
Best for: Enterprise servers, multi-socket workstations, and cloud infrastructure requiring high memory bandwidth, I/O expansion, and built-in accelerators.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6517P or Intel Xeon 6738P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6738P comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6517P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6517P (190 W), Intel Xeon 6738P (270 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6517P and Intel Xeon 6738P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the FCLGA4710 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6738P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6517P (16 cores), Intel Xeon 6738P (32 cores).