CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6738P vs Intel Xeon 6740P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6738P is a 32-core server processor designed for modern data center workloads, supporting DDR5-6400 memory and PCIe 5.0 with a 270 W TDP.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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.
- Strong CPU-based inference for models that fit in cache and memory.
- No dedicated AI matrix units beyond AVX-512/AMX in this generation.
- Best suited as a host CPU for GPU-accelerated AI training or inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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.
- Not designed or marketed for gaming.
- Lack of integrated graphics and optimized latency for client workloads.
- Better suited for server and enterprise use cases.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 48 cores and 96 threads for high parallel throughput
- 288 MB shared L3 cache reduces latency for large datasets
- 8-channel DDR5-6400 memory subsystem
- Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes in 2P configs for GPU and NVMe expansion
- Strong platform features (CXL 2.0, Intel AMX, QAT, DSA) for server workloads
- Good performance-per-watt within its core-count and frequency band
Cons
- High 270 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- Locked multiplier with no overclocking headroom
- No integrated graphics; must be paired with a discreet GPU or BMC
- Platform and memory costs are significant compared to client CPUs
- Single-thread performance is lower than lower-core-count, higher-clocked SKUs
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Xeon 6740P
- AMD EPYC 9474FRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6760PRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6730PRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6781PRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6500P SeriesAlt
Lower-core-count P-core SKUs (e.g., 6530P) with similar platform features but reduced TDP and cost.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA high-core-count Granite Rapids-SP Xeon optimized for 2P servers needing strong memory bandwidth and large cache, though power and platform cost are substantial.
Best for: Building or refreshing a dual-socket server for virtualization, databases, or general enterprise workloads where core density and memory bandwidth matter more than absolute single-thread performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6738P or Intel Xeon 6740P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6740P comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Xeon 6738P or Intel Xeon 6740P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6740P leads with a gaming performance score of 0/100 among Intel Xeon 6738P and Intel Xeon 6740P.
Do Intel Xeon 6738P and Intel Xeon 6740P 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 6740P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6738P (32 cores), Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Xeon 6740P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Xeon 6740P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.