Intel BX806736148
The 20-core Xeon Gold 6148 processor delivers reliable multi-socket server performance for data center workloads. Its 27.5MB L3 cache and 150W TDP support sustained throughput in virtualized environments, though single-threaded speed trails modern alternatives. This chip suits IT administrators managing legacy enterprise servers who prioritize core density over per-core speed or AI acceleration.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
Old Xeon with terrible single thread and multi thread scores. It's cheap and new, but 150 watts for this level of performance is a bad trade. Only worth it as a drop-in replacement for a compatible system.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- New, unused unit if you need a drop-in replacement
- Supports Intel virtualization and Hyper-Threading
- Low entry price in some regions
- Easy to find on the used and surplus market
Cons
- Single thread performance is near the bottom of our database
- 150 watt TDP for very little speed
- Multi thread scores are disappointing even for a Xeon
- Platform is old and limits future upgrades
The proof
Performance
Performance is rough. Single thread lands in the 3rd percentile, so anything that needs fast cores will feel sluggish. Multi thread is just as bad at the 4th percentile, which is surprising for a Xeon, but this is an older generation with low clocks. Efficiency is a real problem too, 150 watts for this level of output is a bad trade. The only thing it has going for it is Intel virtualization and Hyper-Threading support, but those don't make up for the raw speed deficit.
vs Competition
Compared to something like the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, this chip is not even in the same conversation. The Ryzen destroys it in single thread, multi thread, efficiency, and gaming. Even against other older Xeons like the E5-2697 v2, this one falls behind in most workloads. The Core i9 BX80673I99960X is also old, but it at least has higher clocks and more modern features. This Intel part only makes sense if you're locked into a specific motherboard and need a cheap replacement.
| Spec | Intel BX806736148 | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D | HP Xeon 6526Y | CG CHIPS GATE EPYC 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 1PC New 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 Communications Processor | MICRO CENTER 9950X3DMAGX870ETMKWF | G.Skill Trident Z Neo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | - | 16 | 16 | 24 | - | 6 |
| Threads | - | 32 | 32 | 48 | - | 12 |
| Boost Clock Mhz | - | 5700 | 3900 | 4000 | - | 4200 |
| L3 Cache Mb | - | 128 | 37 | 128 | - | 32 |
| Tdp W | - | 120 | 195 | 200 | - | 65 |
| Socket | - | AM5 | LGA 4677 | AMD Socket SP3 | - | AMD Socket AM4 |
| Integrated Graphics | - | AMD Radeon Graphics | No | - | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AI | Feature | Platform | Efficiency | Multi Thread | Affordability | Single Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel BX806736148 | 3.1 | 20.5 | 17.4 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 62.1 | 2.9 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Compare | 96 | 98.6 | 92.4 | 97 | 95.7 | 14.5 | 92.9 |
| HP Xeon 6526Y Compare | 92.1 | 77.2 | 90.8 | 79.3 | 89.9 | 2.7 | 80.5 |
| CG CHIPS GATE EPYC 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 1PC New 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 Communications Processor Compare | 94.8 | 77.2 | 84.5 | 85.1 | 93.9 | 5.2 | 80.4 |
| MICRO CENTER 9950X3DMAGX870ETMKWF Compare | 85.7 | 20.5 | 17.4 | 66.5 | 97 | 6.3 | 98.4 |
| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Compare | 72.3 | 87.4 | 79 | 84.2 | 72 | 20.3 | 72.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Value depends entirely on why you're buying it. If you have a dead server or workstation that needs this exact socket and you just want to keep it running, the price in EUR or GBP isn't terrible. But as a general purpose CPU, it's a bad deal. You can find newer, faster, more efficient options for not much more money. Spending 211 to 225 EUR on this for a new build makes no sense.
Amazon 1 offer From R$1,100
Price History
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Overview
This is an old Xeon workstation chip, not a gaming or everyday CPU. It runs at 2.4 GHz and pulls 150 watts, which tells you most of what you need to know. The listing is for a new, unused unit, but the platform itself is ancient by modern standards.
Our database puts this thing near the bottom in almost every category. Single thread, multi thread, efficiency, AI, all in the single digit percentiles. It's cheap in some markets, but you get what you pay for.
Common Questions
Q: Is this CPU good for gaming?
No. Gaming performance scores 7.7 out of 100 in our database, and single thread speed is in the 3rd percentile. Modern games will struggle.
Q: Can I use this in a regular desktop motherboard?
Only if your motherboard supports this specific Xeon socket and chipset. Most consumer boards won't work, so check compatibility before buying.
Q: Why is the power draw so high?
It's an older workstation chip with a 150 watt TDP. That's normal for its generation, but it means more heat and higher electricity costs for very little performance.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you want to build a gaming PC, a home server with modern performance, or anything that needs snappy single core speed. Also skip it if you care about power efficiency, because 150 watts for this level of output is just wasteful. If you need a cheap CPU for a new build, look at used Ryzen or newer Intel parts instead.
Verdict
Buy this only if you have a compatible server or workstation that needs a replacement CPU and you don't care about speed. It's a maintenance part, not an upgrade. Anyone building a new system or hoping for decent performance should look elsewhere immediately.
Usage Scores
- Overall9.1
- AI/LLM4.4
- Budget25.5
- Gaming7.7
- Server5.7
- Efficiency5.8
- Productivity7.1