AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE vs Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 and AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE are both quad-core processors, but they target very different corners of the market. The Xeon is a server/workstation chip with a focus on stability and ECC memory, while the Ryzen is a low-power desktop part with a modern integrated GPU. Benchmark data shows the Intel part edges ahead in every single Cinebench test, but the real story lies in their architectural and platform differences.

Where Each One Wins

The data is clear-cut: the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins all six head-to-head Cinebench benchmarks against the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE. The margins are consistent, with the Xeon holding a 1.4% lead in every test, from Cinebench R15 multicore (510 vs 503) to Cinebench R23 single-core (715 vs 705). This makes the Xeon the straightforward pick for raw CPU compute throughput, especially in threaded workloads where its larger 8 MB shared L3 cache and higher base clock help it sustain performance.

However, the Ryzen 3 2200GE is not without its own territory. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the Xeon's 80 W TDP, making it the clear winner for low-power and compact builds where heat dissipation and energy efficiency are priorities. The Ryzen also features the Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics, which is a far more capable iGPU than the Xeon's HD Graphics P530, making the AMD part the winner for any system that needs to drive a display or handle light graphics work without a discrete GPU. The Ryzen also has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Xeon is locked, giving the AMD chip an edge for enthusiasts who want to overclock.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different design philosophies. The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 is built on the Skylake architecture, using a 14 nm process at Intel's own foundry. It packs 1,750 million transistors into a 122 mm² die. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE uses the Zen architecture (codenamed Raven Ridge), also on a 14 nm process but fabricated by GlobalFoundries. The AMD chip is significantly larger, with 4,950 million transistors on a 210 mm² die, owing to the inclusion of the Vega graphics and a more complex memory controller.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The Xeon provides 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, plus a hefty 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen offers a larger 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core, but only 4 MB of shared L3 cache. This means the Intel chip has double the last-level cache, which can help in workloads with large working sets. The Ryzen compensates with a wider memory bus: it supports DDR4 only but delivers 46.9 GB/s of bandwidth, versus the Xeon's 34.1 GB/s with dual-channel DDR3 or DDR4.

The Xeon is a server/workstation part with ECC memory support, while the Ryzen is a desktop chip without ECC. The Xeon also has more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8), which is critical for expansion cards in a workstation. The Ryzen uses the AM4 socket and is still in active production, while the Xeon uses Socket 1151 and is end-of-life.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark sweep is a clean victory for the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5. In Cinebench R15, the Xeon scores 510 in multi-core and 72 in single-core, beating the Ryzen's 503 and 71. The 1.4% delta is consistent, and it carries through to newer tests. In Cinebench R20, the Xeon posts 2127 multi-core and 300 single-core, against the Ryzen's 2097 and 296. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R23, with the Xeon at 5065 multi-core and 715 single-core, versus the Ryzen's 4993 and 705.

These are small but uniform margins. The Xeon's advantage is not a fluke of one workload; it is a consistent lead across every rendering test. The average benchmark score reflects this, with the Xeon at 1465 and the Ryzen at 1444. The Xeon's closest rival is the Intel Core i3-7350K at 1462 (0.2% delta), while the Ryzen sits near the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G at 1439 (0.4% delta). Both CPUs land in the 38th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they are mid-pack performers, but the Xeon is nominally stronger in every measured scenario.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 | AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE |

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

| Base Clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| TDP | 80 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Skylake | Zen (Raven Ridge) |

| Transistors | 1,750 million | 4,950 million |

| Die Size | 122 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 | 8 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | 46.9 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe Lanes | 16 (Gen 3) | 8 (Gen 3) |

| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics P530 | Radeon Vega 8 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2015-10-18 | 2018-04-18 |

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins all multi-core tests. It scores 510 in Cinebench R15, 2127 in R20, and 5065 in R23, each time beating the Ryzen 3 2200GE by 1.4%.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE more power efficient?

A: Yes. The Ryzen has a 35 W TDP compared to the Xeon's 80 W TDP, making it the better choice for low-power systems despite its slightly lower benchmark scores.

Q: Can either CPU support ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 supports ECC memory. This is a key feature for server or workstation reliability, which the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE lacks.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE has the Radeon Vega 8, which is a full-fledged modern iGPU. The Intel Xeon's HD Graphics P530 is a basic server-grade solution, so the Ryzen is clearly superior for graphics output.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The Xeon has an average benchmark score of 1465, while the Ryzen scores 1444. This puts the Xeon about 1.5% higher overall, consistent with the head-to-head deltas.

Q: Which CPU is still in production?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE is listed as active in production, while the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 is end-of-life. This makes the Ryzen a more viable option for new system builds.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear choice based on platform needs. If you need a CPU for a server or workstation where ECC memory is non-negotiable, the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 is the only option here. It also wins every Cinebench benchmark, so it is the raw performance pick. Its 8 MB of L3 cache and 16 PCIe lanes make it suitable for compute tasks that benefit from more cache and expansion slots.

If your priority is a low-power desktop or an HTPC, the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE is the better fit. Its 35 W TDP is a massive advantage for passive cooling or small form factor builds, and the Radeon Vega 8 iGPU is far more capable than the Xeon's HD Graphics P530. The unlocked multiplier also gives it overclocking headroom the Xeon lacks.

The benchmark results show the Xeon is faster, but the margin is only 1.4%. That is a small gap for a CPU that uses over twice the power. For most general desktop users, the Ryzen 3 2200GE offers a modern, efficient platform with better graphics. For pure compute reliability and ECC support, the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 is the technical winner. The choice comes down to whether you value the Xeon's cache, ECC, and PCIe lanes, or the Ryzen's efficiency, iGPU, and active production status.