Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y
Expert rating8.1 / 10
- Brand:
- Intel
- Form Factor:
- Server & Enthusiast
- CPU Socket:
- LGA 4677
- Core/Thread Count:
- 24C/48T
- TDP:
- 250W
- iGPU:
- None
- CPU Series:
- Xeon Gold
Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12
Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y Review
Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y 24-core 48-thread server processor, 2.9GHz base / 4.1GHz boost, 250W TDP, Emerald Rapids, LGA 4677 socket
The Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y is a high-core-count data center processor for demanding virtualization and enterprise server workloads. It pairs 24 cores and 48 threads with a 2.9GHz base clock that boosts up to 4.1GHz and None graphics, all within a 250W envelope.
Performance and Architecture
With 24 cores and 48 threads, the Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y runs a 2.9GHz base clock that boosts up to 4.1GHz, backed by 180MB of L3 cache and None graphics on the Emerald Rapids architecture.
Platform and Deployment
The Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y uses the LGA 4677 platform in a 250W 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 6542Y sits at the 24-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 6542Y 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.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.1 / 10
The Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y 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
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Release Year | 2023 |
|---|
Cores and threads
| Core Count | 24 cores |
|---|---|
| Thread Count | 48 threads |
| Core Architecture | Emerald Rapids |
Clocks
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz |
|---|---|
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz |
Cache
| L3 Cache | 180 MB |
|---|
Platform
| Socket | LGA 4677 |
|---|
Power and thermals
| TDP | 250 W |
|---|
| iGPU | None |
|---|
Measured results
SPEC CPU 2017
Best published result on spec.org as of 23 Sept 2026.
| SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base) | 261 |
Cores 24 · Tested in ProLiant DL320 Gen11 ( 2.90 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y ) · Published by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Mar-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base) | 358 |
Cores 24 · Tested in ThinkSystem SD530 V3 (2.90 GHz, Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y) · Published by Lenovo Global Technology, Apr-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base) | 533 |
Cores 48 · Tested in FusionServer 2288H V7 (Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y) · Published by xFusion, Jul-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base) | 739 |
Cores 48 · Tested in H3C UniServer R4900 G6 (Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y) · Published by New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd., Sep-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.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y?
The Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y has 24 cores and 48 threads, a 2.9 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock, 180 MB of L3 cache and a 250 W TDP. It has no integrated graphics, so it needs a graphics card. Socket: LGA 4677.
Will the Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y work with my current setup?
The Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y 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 6542Y best suited to?
Best suited to: Enterprise virtualization; Demanding server workloads; Multi-socket deployments.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Xeon Gold 6542Y?
Not the best fit for: Desktop use; Gaming builds; Battery-powered devices.