AMD Ryzen 3 2200G vs Intel Xeon D-1520 Comparison

The Intel Xeon D-1520 and AMD Ryzen 3 2200G occupy the same performance percentile (34th) and have nearly identical average benchmark scores (1209 vs 1202), yet they are fundamentally different designs. The Xeon D-1520 is a 4-core/8-thread Broadwell server part with a 45W TDP and ECC support, while the Ryzen 3 2200G is a 4-core/4-thread desktop APU with a 65W TDP and integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics. The data shows that the Ryzen wins both head-to-head Cinebench tests decisively, but the Xeon counters with double the thread count, lower power draw, and server-grade reliability features.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1520 scores 1209 on average, while the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G scores 1202. The difference is 7 points, which is negligible and places both at the 34th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the core and thread configuration differ?

A: Both have 4 cores, but the Intel Xeon D-1520 supports 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G has 4 threads (one per core). This means the Xeon can process twice as many concurrent threads.

Q: Which CPU wins in single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G wins decisively. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 145.55 versus the Xeon's 59, a delta of -59.5% (meaning the Xeon is 59.5% slower). The Ryzen's higher base clock (3.50 GHz vs 2.20 GHz) and boost clock (3.70 GHz vs 2.60 GHz) drive this advantage.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon D-1520 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon D-1520 supports ECC memory and accepts both DDR3 and DDR4. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G does not support ECC and only supports DDR4.

Q: What are the TDP differences between these two processors?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1520 has a TDP of 45W, while the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G has a TDP of 65W. The Xeon draws 20W less, which is significant for dense server deployments.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: Only the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G includes integrated graphics (Radeon Vega 8). The Intel Xeon D-1520 has no integrated graphics, making it unsuitable for systems without a discrete GPU.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Xeon D-1520 is built on the Broadwell architecture, specifically the Broadwell-DE generation, manufactured on Intel's 14 nm process. It uses 3,200 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G uses the Zen architecture (Raven Ridge codename), also on a 14 nm process but fabricated by GlobalFoundries, with 4,950 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. The Ryzen packs 55% more transistors into a smaller die, reflecting its integrated graphics and newer design.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Xeon D-1520 provides 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 1.5 MB L3 per core (totaling 6 MB across four cores). The Ryzen 3 2200G offers 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The Xeon's per-core L3 design gives each core dedicated fast memory, while the Ryzen's shared pool benefits workloads that access common data.

The memory controllers diverge sharply. The Xeon D-1520 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 in dual-channel mode, with ECC enabled. The Ryzen 3 2200G supports only DDR4, is dual-channel, and lacks ECC. The Ryzen has a rated memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s, while the Xeon's bandwidth is not listed in the data. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Xeon provides 24 Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen offers just 8 Gen 3 lanes — a major gap for expansion-heavy server workloads.

The Xeon D-1520 is a server/workstation part with a launch MSRP of $199, using the Intel BGA 1667 socket. The Ryzen 3 2200G is a desktop part with a launch MSRP of $99, using the AMD Socket AM4. The Ryzen has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking; the Xeon does not. Production status is active for both, with release dates of March 2015 for the Xeon and February 2018 for the Ryzen.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon D-1520 wins on multi-threaded server workloads. Its 4-core/8-thread configuration, combined with ECC memory support and 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, makes it suited for virtualization hosts, network appliances, and storage servers. The lower 45W TDP is an advantage in dense chassis where thermal headroom is limited. The Xeon's dual memory support (DDR3 and DDR4) provides flexibility for upgrading legacy infrastructure. The BGA 1667 socket indicates an embedded or soldered design, typical of purpose-built server boards.

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G wins on single-core responsiveness and integrated graphics. Its base clock of 3.50 GHz and boost clock of 3.70 GHz are substantially higher than the Xeon's 2.20 GHz and 2.60 GHz, respectively. The Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic desktop builds, media centers, or light gaming rigs. The unlocked multiplier allows enthusiast tuning, and the AM4 socket offers broad motherboard compatibility. The Ryzen also wins on raw memory throughput with its rated 46.9 GB/s bandwidth.

The benchmark data confirms this split. The Ryzen 3 2200G wins both head-to-head Cinebench tests. In multi-core R15, it scores 577 versus the Xeon's 421, a 27% advantage. In single-core R15, it scores 145.55 versus 59, a 59.5% advantage. However, the Xeon's thread advantage would become evident in heavily parallel workloads beyond Cinebench R15, particularly those that scale beyond 4 threads. The Ryzen's 4-thread limit caps its scalability, while the Xeon's 8 threads can keep more cores busy.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon D-1520 | AMD Ryzen 3 2200G |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 4 | 4 |

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 2.60 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| TDP | 45W | 65W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1667 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Broadwell | Zen (Raven Ridge) |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | 3,200 million | 4,950 million |

| Die Size | 246 mm² | 210 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 1.5 MB (per core) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 only |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 46.9 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 24 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon Vega 8 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

| Release Date | March 2015 | February 2018 |

| Launch MSRP | $199 | $99 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data contains only two Cinebench R15 tests, and the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G wins both. The largest margin is in single-core performance. The Ryzen scores 145.55 points, while the Xeon D-1520 scores 59 points. The delta is -59.5%, meaning the Xeon delivers just 40.5% of the Ryzen's single-core score. This massive gap is explained by clock speeds: the Ryzen's 3.50 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost are far above the Xeon's 2.20 GHz and 2.60 GHz. Additionally, the Zen architecture's higher IPC (instructions per clock) over Broadwell compounds the clock advantage.

The multi-core test also favors the Ryzen, though by a smaller margin. The Ryzen 3 2200G scores 577, while the Xeon D-1520 scores 421, a delta of -27%. This is surprising given the Xeon's 8 threads versus the Ryzen's 4. The Ryzen's per-core advantage is so large that it overcomes the Xeon's thread count advantage. However, this result is specific to Cinebench R15, which may not fully utilize the Xeon's extra threads. In workloads that scale well beyond 4 threads, the Xeon would likely close the gap or take the lead.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story. The Xeon D-1520 has an average score of 1209, and the Ryzen 3 2200G has 1202. The near-identical averages obscure the divergent benchmark suites: the Xeon's average is built from six Cinebench scores (R15, R20, R23 in multi and single core), while the Ryzen's average includes two Cinebench scores and two Geekbench scores. The Xeon's Cinebench R20 and R23 scores (1755 multi/247 single and 4179 multi/590 single) indicate strong sustained performance, while the Ryzen's Geekbench scores (3086 multi/1001 single) show a different workload profile.

The nearest rivals further contextualize these chips. The Xeon D-1520's closest competitor is the Intel Core i3-8121U, with identical average scores (1209 vs 1209, 0% delta). The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-3330, with a delta of 0.2% (1202 vs 1200). Both CPUs sit in a crowded performance band where the Xeon D-1527 appears as a rival to both — within 0.1% of the Xeon and 0.4% of the Ryzen. This suggests that for most applications, the choice between these two processors depends less on raw performance and more on platform features: ECC and 24 PCIe lanes for the Xeon, integrated graphics and higher clocks for the Ryzen.