CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6738P vs Intel Xeon 6748P
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.
- AMX and DL Boost accelerate CPU‑based AI inference
- Well suited as an AI host node for GPU‑accelerated servers
- Not a replacement for dedicated AI accelerators for training
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.
- Designed for server and HPC workloads, not gaming
- High latency and core‑count‑optimized microarchitecture
- Modern desktop CPUs offer better gaming performance at far lower cost
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 multi‑threaded throughput
- 8‑channel DDR5‑6400 with MRDIMM support for bandwidth‑intensive workloads
- Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes and CXL 2.0 for GPUs and accelerators
- Mature RAS and enterprise features from the Xeon Scalable lineage
- Good AI inference performance with AMX and DL Boost
Cons
- 300 W TDP requires robust cooling and increases platform power
- High platform cost (CPU, DDR5, server board) compared to lower‑core‑count options
- No integrated graphics; even basic VGA requires an add‑in card or BMC
- Locked multiplier with no official overclocking support
- Overkill for workloads that cannot saturate 48 cores and 8 memory channels
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 6748P
- AMD EPYC 9454Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9554Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6781PRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6760PRival
Server
Same core count with higher cache and slightly lower TDP if you need more L3 per core.
Compare head-to-headLower core count and TDP for less demanding server workloads with similar platform features.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon 6900P seriesAlt
Higher‑core‑count Granite Rapids‑AP platform for those needing 72–128 cores per socket.
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 strong 48-core server CPU for multi-socket platforms that need high memory bandwidth and PCIe connectivity, but with a 300 W TDP and premium price that demand careful platform and cooling design.
Best for: Building or upgrading 2–8 socket servers for virtualization, databases, or HPC where high core count, memory bandwidth, and PCIe connectivity are critical and platform cost can be justified.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6738P or Intel Xeon 6748P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6748P 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 6748P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6748P leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Xeon 6738P and Intel Xeon 6748P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6738P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6738P (270 W), Intel Xeon 6748P (300 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6738P and Intel Xeon 6748P 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 6748P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6738P (32 cores), Intel Xeon 6748P (48 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Xeon 6748P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Xeon 6748P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.