Intel Xeon Gold 6538N
Expert rating8.1 / 10
- Brand:
- Intel
- Form Factor:
- Server & Enthusiast
- CPU Socket:
- LGA 4677
- Core/Thread Count:
- 32C/64T
- TDP:
- 205W
- iGPU:
- None
- CPU Series:
- Xeon Gold
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12
Intel Xeon Gold 6538N Review
Intel Xeon Gold 6538N 32-core 64-thread server processor, 2.1GHz base / 3.9GHz boost, 205W TDP, Emerald Rapids, LGA 4677 socket
The Intel Xeon Gold 6538N is a high-core-count data center processor for demanding virtualization and enterprise server workloads. It pairs 32 cores and 64 threads with a 2.1GHz base clock that boosts up to 3.9GHz and None graphics, all within a 205W envelope.
Performance and Architecture
With 32 cores and 64 threads, the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N runs a 2.1GHz base clock that boosts up to 3.9GHz, backed by 240MB of L3 cache and None graphics on the Emerald Rapids architecture.
Platform and Deployment
The Intel Xeon Gold 6538N uses the LGA 4677 platform in a 205W envelope, positioned as a high-core-count data center processor for demanding virtualization and enterprise server workloads..
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Xeon Gold lineup in this catalog, the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N sits at the 32-core tier, differentiated mainly by clock speed, TDP, and socket from its closest siblings. Against AMD's EPYC processors in this catalog at a similar tier, the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N competes on platform ecosystem and per-core efficiency, while against Intel's own Xeon 6 (Granite/Sierra Rapids) parts in this catalog it occupies a narrower, more specialized deployment niche.
Specifications
Identity
| Model Number | Gold 6538N |
|---|---|
| Codename | Emerald Rapids |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Server |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Emerald Rapids |
| Socket | LGA4677 |
| Socket Status | Current |
| Process Node | 10 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 32 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 32 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 64 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.1 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz |
Cache
| L3 Cache | 60 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 205 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 5200 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 4096 GB |
| ECC Support | Yes |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | No |
|---|---|
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 80 |
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Tray OEM |
|---|
| Form Factor | Server & Enthusiast |
|---|---|
| TDP | 205 W |
| iGPU | None |
Measured results
SPEC CPU 2017
Best published result on spec.org as of 23 Sept 2026.
| SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base) | 289 |
Cores 32 · Tested in ProLiant DL320 Gen11 ( 2.10 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6538N ) · Published by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Feb-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base) | 366 |
Cores 32 · Tested in ProLiant DL320 Gen11 ( 2.10 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6538N ) · Published by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Feb-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base) | 580 |
Cores 64 · Tested in ASUS RS720-E11-RS12U (2.10 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6538N) · Published by ASUSTeK Computer Inc., May-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base) | 769 |
Cores 64 · Tested in ASUS RS720-E11-RS12U (2.10 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6538N) · Published by ASUSTeK Computer Inc., May-2024
Full disclosure on spec.orgSPEC®, SPECrate® and SPECspeed® are registered trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. Copied by permission of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC). Results retrieved from www.spec.org on 23 Sept 2026.
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.1 / 10
The Intel Xeon Gold 6538N is a strong mid-to-high tier data center chip, well suited to enterprise virtualization and server duty.
Best for
- Enterprise virtualization
- Demanding server workloads
- Multi-socket deployments
Not for
- Desktop use
- Gaming builds
- Battery-powered devices
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N?
The Intel Xeon Gold 6538N is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 32, Threads 64, Base Clock 2.1 GHz, Boost Clock 3.9 GHz, L3 Cache 240.
Will the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N work with my current setup?
The Intel Xeon Gold 6538N lists Socket is LGA 4677. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N best suited to?
It suits enterprise virtualization, demanding server workloads, multi-socket deployments.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Xeon Gold 6538N?
It is a poor fit for desktop use, gaming builds, battery-powered devices.