AMD Ryzen 5 1400 vs Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 and the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, but they cater to fundamentally different use cases and performance profiles. The Xeon, a 25W server chip from 2014, and the Ryzen, a 65W desktop chip from 2017, have nearly identical average benchmark scores—1396 and 1410, respectively—placing both at the 37th percentile of all CPUs. However, their architectural differences and benchmark-specific results tell a compelling story of generational progress versus extreme efficiency.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has a slightly higher average benchmark score at 1410, compared to the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3’s 1396. The delta between the two is minimal, as both CPUs sit at the 37th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon outperform the AMD Ryzen in any benchmark?

A: Yes, in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 scores 4827, which is 21.1% higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 1400’s 3985. This is the only benchmark where the Xeon wins in the head-to-head comparison.

Q: How significant is the single-core performance gap?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 is decisively ahead in single-core workloads. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ryzen scores 133.75 versus the Xeon’s 68, a 49.2% difference. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Ryzen leads 832 to 681, an 18.1% advantage.

Q: What are the power consumption differences between the two?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 has a TDP of 25 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has a TDP of 65 watts. This makes the Xeon exceptionally power-efficient for a 4-core, 8-thread part.

Q: Can both processors use ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 and the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 support ECC memory. The Xeon uses DDR3 memory on a dual-channel bus, while the Ryzen uses DDR4 on a dual-channel bus.

Q: Which processor is currently in production?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 is listed as "Active" in production status, while the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 is marked as "End-of-life." The Xeon was released in May 2014, and the Ryzen in April 2017.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 is built on the Haswell architecture, specifically the Haswell-WS codename, using a 22 nm process node from Intel. It packs 1,400 million transistors into a 160 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen 5 1400, in contrast, uses the Zen architecture (Summit Ridge) on a 14 nm process node from GlobalFoundries, with a significantly larger 4,800 million transistors spread across a 213 mm² die. This generational leap in process technology and transistor count underpins the Ryzen’s architectural advantage.

Cache layouts also differ. The Xeon offers 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen provides 96 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, also with 8 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core caches on the Ryzen contribute to its better single-core efficiency. Memory support diverges as well: the Xeon uses dual-channel DDR3 with a theoretical bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the Ryzen uses dual-channel DDR4 with a much higher 42.7 GB/s bandwidth. Both platforms feature PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, but the Xeon is on the Intel Socket 1150, whereas the Ryzen uses AMD Socket AM4.

The market positioning is distinct: the Xeon is a Server/Workstation part, while the Ryzen is a Desktop part. The Ryzen also has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable, while the Xeon’s multiplier is locked. The Xeon’s base clock is 2.00 GHz with a boost to 3.00 GHz, whereas the Ryzen runs at a 3.20 GHz base and 3.40 GHz boost, giving the latter a substantial clock speed advantage out of the box.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: for general desktop and single-threaded workloads, the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 is the superior choice. It wins three of the four head-to-head benchmarks, including a commanding 49.2% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core and an 18.1% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core. Its higher base and boost clocks, combined with larger per-core caches and newer DDR4 memory support, make it the practical pick for everyday computing, gaming, and productivity tasks that rely on single-thread performance.

However, the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 has a specific, narrow niche where it wins outright: multi-core rendering in Cinebench R23. Its 4827 score represents a 21.1% advantage over the Ryzen’s 3985. This result, coupled with its remarkably low 25W TDP, makes it an intriguing option for low-power server or always-on workstation builds where energy efficiency is paramount and multi-threaded throughput is the priority. The Xeon’s end-of-life status and locked multiplier, though, limit its long-term viability.

For most buyers, the Ryzen 5 1400 is the better all-around processor. It is active in production, has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and delivers superior single-core performance across the board. The Xeon is only advisable for a niche scenario where its combination of low power draw and specific multi-core wins align with the user’s workload.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ across several key specification fields. The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 has a base clock of 2000.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 operates at a base of 3.20 GHz and boosts to 3.40 GHz. The Xeon’s TDP is 25 watts, compared to the Ryzen’s 65 watts. The Xeon is built on a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die, whereas the Ryzen uses a 14 nm process with 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die.

Cache hierarchies are different: the Xeon has 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, while the Ryzen has 96 KB and 512 KB, respectively. Both share 8 MB of L3 cache. Memory support sees the Xeon on DDR3 with a 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the Ryzen uses DDR4 with a 42.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon’s socket is Intel Socket 1150, and the Ryzen’s is AMD Socket AM4. The Xeon is a Server/Workstation part with a locked multiplier, while the Ryzen is a Desktop part with an unlocked multiplier. The Xeon was released in May 2014 with a launch MSRP of $278, and the Ryzen in April 2017 with a launch MSRP of $169. Finally, the Xeon is end-of-life, whereas the Ryzen remains active in production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data reveals a split personality between the two chips. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 scores 688 against the Intel Xeon’s 486, a 29.4% advantage for the Ryzen. This is a substantial win that indicates the Ryzen’s higher clock speeds and newer architecture translate into better multi-threaded throughput in that particular test version.

In Cinebench R15 single-core, the gap widens dramatically. The Ryzen scores 133.75, while the Xeon manages only 68. This 49.2% delta is the largest margin in any benchmark, underscoring the Xeon’s age and its focus on efficiency over raw single-thread speed. The Ryzen’s 3.40 GHz boost clock compared to the Xeon’s 3.00 GHz, combined with the Zen architecture’s improved IPC, explains this dominance.

The tables turn in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here, the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 posts a score of 4827, beating the Ryzen’s 3985 by 21.1%. This is a surprising result given the Ryzen’s wins elsewhere, suggesting that the Xeon’s Haswell architecture scales better under the specific load of R23’s multi-core rendering, or that thermal/power characteristics favor the Xeon in sustained workloads.

Finally, in Cinebench R23 single-core, the Ryzen reclaims its lead with a score of 832 versus the Xeon’s 681, an 18.1% advantage. This consistent single-core superiority makes the Ryzen the better choice for responsive, everyday applications. Overall, the Ryzen wins three benchmarks, while the Xeon wins one, but the Xeon’s single win is by a large margin.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 is the clear winner in single-core performance and overall versatility. It dominates the Xeon in both Cinebench R15 and R23 single-core tests, with margins of 49.2% and 18.1%, respectively. This makes it the superior processor for tasks like web browsing, office applications, and any software that relies on fast single-threaded responses. Its win in Cinebench R15 multi-core (688 vs 486, a 29.4% lead) also suggests it handles older multi-threaded workloads better. The Ryzen’s active production status, unlocked multiplier, and support for faster DDR4 memory further cement its position as the more future-proof and flexible option for a desktop builder.

The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 wins in one specific, but notable, area: Cinebench R23 multi-core. Its 4827 score is 21.1% higher than the Ryzen’s 3985, indicating that under this particular rendering workload, the Xeon’s architecture and 25W TDP deliver superior sustained multi-threaded performance. This, combined with its remarkably low power draw, makes it the winner for ultra-low-power server builds, silent workstations, or always-on systems where energy efficiency is the top priority. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which, alongside its server market segment, makes it a viable option for basic error-correcting memory builds, though the Ryzen also has ECC support. For any user prioritizing single-core speed, modern features, or overclocking, the Ryzen is the logical choice. For those building a power-sipping multi-threaded renderer, the Xeon’s R23 result is the decisive factor.