Edinburgh were well in the game during the first half but Cardiff made their superiority tell in the second half with Sam Hobbs, Andries Pretorius and Tom James adding to Hobbs' first-half try to gain a bonus point.
Ceri Sweeney converted three tries and kicked four penalties.
It was difficult to tell that Cardiff had eight players away at the World Cup, so coherently did they play.
Edinburgh were all too obviously missing seven, and the side sent out was a mixture of veterans and young professionals.
Nowhere was the difference more obvious than at the tackle where repeatedly Cardiff players made ground. New Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley clearly has work ahead of him.
Edinburgh made a horrible start as young number eight Dave Denton allowed the Cardiff opening kick to bounce forward off his chest where an offside colleague played it. Sweeney steered home the penalty to give Cardiff an early lead.
Twice in the opening 10 minutes flashing Edinburgh attacks featuring Simon Webster and then Tim Visser, who burst on to a wing kick from number 10 Phil Godman, came to nothing due to knock-ons.
Greig Laidlaw kicked a penalty for the hosts after 14 minutes but Cardiff moved up several gears for a move that started with a searing break by centre Gavin Evans and ended with Martyn Williams sending in Hobbs for an unconverted try.
When Edinburgh full-back Jim Thompson burst 50 metres he had no support and all Edinburgh gained was a third Laidlaw penalty.
However Cardiff closed the half by again moving to a different level and under-pressure Edinburgh gave away a penalty kicked by Sweeney to let Cardiff move 14-9 ahead.
Cardiff continued to have the better of the second half in its early stages, but a couple of Laidlaw penalties momentarily let Edinburgh take a 15-14 lead.
However it lasted only two minutes with Michael Paterson latching on to a loose ball and sending Pretorius in for try which was converted by Sweeney.
In the final 10 minutes Cardiff were in complete control and ran in their final tries as Hobbs and Sweeney both crossed.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
