AMD Ryzen 5 1500X vs Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a fascinating split between these two processors. In Cinebench R15, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X dominates. Its multicore score of 805 beats the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5's 687 by a substantial 17.2%. The single-core gap in R15 is even more dramatic: 154 versus 96, a 60.4% advantage for the Ryzen. These are not marginal differences; the Ryzen 5 1500X is decisively ahead in this older benchmark suite.

However, the story flips completely in Cinebench R23. The Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 posts a multicore score of 6822, while the Ryzen 5 1500X manages only 4597. That is a 32.6% deficit for the AMD part, which is a massive swing from the R15 results. In R23 single-core, the Intel chip edges ahead by a much smaller margin, scoring 963 against the Ryzen's 947, a 1.7% difference. The Intel Xeon wins this test, but the margin is razor-thin compared to the multicore gulf.

What explains this? The recorded data shows the two chips have identical core counts (4 cores, 8 threads) and identical base clocks (3.50 GHz). The Intel part has a higher boost clock at 3.90 GHz versus 3.70 GHz for the AMD. That boost advantage likely plays a role in the R23 single-core win, but it does not account for the enormous multicore disparity. The benchmark generation differences matter: R15 is an older test, while R23 is a newer, more demanding workload. The results indicate that the Ryzen 5 1500X performs strongly in legacy rendering tests, while the Xeon E3-1245 v5 pulls ahead in modern multi-threaded rendering.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story of near-parity. The Ryzen 5 1500X has an average benchmark score of 1992, while the Xeon E3-1245 v5 sits at 1973. This places both processors at the 44th percentile among all CPUs in the database. The nearest rivals for the AMD part include the Intel Core i7-7920HQ at a 0% delta and the Intel Xeon E3-1285L v4 at a 0.1% delta. For the Intel Xeon, the closest competitors are the Intel Core i7-10810U at 0.1% and the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X at 0.2%. In terms of overall performance, these two chips are effectively peers, despite their divergent results in individual tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 boosts to 3.90 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X tops out at 3.70 GHz. Both have a base clock of 3.50 GHz.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X and the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 support ECC memory, which is a notable feature for workstation and server use cases.

Q: Which chip has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X has a 16 MB shared L3 cache, while the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 has an 8 MB shared L3 cache. The AMD part also has larger per-core L1 and L2 caches: 96 KB and 512 KB per core respectively, versus 64 KB and 256 KB per core for the Intel.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor offer?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 includes HD Graphics P530. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory for that platform.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 is locked. This gives the AMD part a flexibility advantage for enthusiasts.

Q: Which chip performs better in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 is the clear winner, scoring 6822 against the Ryzen 5 1500X's 4597. This is a 32.6% advantage for the Intel processor in that specific test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X uses the Zen architecture, built on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The die is 213 mm² and contains 4,800 million transistors. In contrast, the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 uses the Skylake architecture, also on a 14 nm process but fabricated by Intel. Its die is much smaller at 122 mm², with 1,750 million transistors. The transistor density difference is stark: AMD packs far more transistors into a larger die.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The Ryzen 5 1500X provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a 16 MB shared L3 cache. The Xeon E3-1245 v5 offers 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and only 8 MB of shared L3. AMD's larger caches across all levels give it a theoretical advantage in data-heavy workloads, though the benchmark results show that Intel's architecture can still win in modern rendering tests.

Memory support also varies. The Ryzen 5 1500X supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The Xeon E3-1245 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, but its memory bandwidth is lower at 34.1 GB/s. Both processors support ECC memory and both provide PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Xeon includes integrated HD Graphics P530, while the Ryzen has none. The Intel part targets the server/workstation segment, while the AMD part is a desktop processor. The Xeon is end-of-life in production status, whereas the Ryzen remains active.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split based on workload. If your priority is modern multi-threaded rendering, the Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 is the better choice. Its 32.6% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore is decisive and cannot be ignored. For older applications, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X is the stronger performer, with a 17.2% lead in R15 multicore and a massive 60.4% lead in R15 single-core. The average scores are nearly identical, so neither chip offers a meaningful overall performance advantage.

The Xeon E3-1245 v5 also brings integrated graphics, which is a practical benefit for systems that do not need a discrete GPU. However, its locked multiplier removes overclocking headroom, and its higher TDP of 80 watts versus 65 watts for the Ryzen means it consumes more power. The Ryzen 5 1500X, with its unlocked multiplier and larger cache, appeals to builders who want flexibility and who work with older software. The choice comes down to which benchmark generation reflects your actual workload.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between these two CPUs are as follows:

• Boost Clock: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X at 3.70 GHz, Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 at 3.90 GHz
• TDP: AMD at 65 watts, Intel at 80 watts
• Socket: AMD Socket AM4 for the Ryzen, Intel Socket 1151 for the Xeon
• Cache: AMD has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, 16 MB L3; Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 8 MB L3
• Memory Support: AMD supports DDR4 only; Intel supports DDR3 and DDR4
• Memory Bandwidth: AMD at 42.7 GB/s, Intel at 34.1 GB/s
• Integrated Graphics: Intel includes HD Graphics P530, AMD has none
• Market Segment: AMD is Desktop, Intel is Server/Workstation
• Production Status: AMD is Active, Intel is End-of-life
• Release Date: AMD launched April 2017, Intel launched October 2015
• Multiplier Unlocked: Yes for AMD, No for Intel
• Transistors: AMD at 4,800 million, Intel at 1,750 million
• Die Size: AMD at 213 mm², Intel at 122 mm²
• Foundry: GlobalFoundries for AMD, Intel for Intel

Both chips have 4 cores and 8 threads, a 3.50 GHz base clock, dual-channel memory, ECC support, and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X wins in Cinebench R15 across both multicore and single-core tests. The 60.4% single-core margin is particularly notable, suggesting strong performance in legacy single-threaded applications. Its larger caches and higher memory bandwidth also make it attractive for memory-sensitive workloads, and the unlocked multiplier allows for tuning. The lower TDP of 65 watts versus 80 watts is an advantage in power-constrained builds.

The Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 wins in Cinebench R23, both multicore and single-core. The 32.6% multicore lead is the headline result, indicating superior performance in modern rendering tasks. The integrated HD Graphics P530 is a practical advantage for servers or workstations that need display output without a dedicated GPU. Its ECC memory support, combined with the server/workstation market segment, positions it for reliability-focused applications. The higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz contributes to its single-core win, albeit by a slight 1.7% margin.

In summary, choose the Ryzen 5 1500X for older software, overclocking flexibility, and lower power draw. Choose the Xeon E3-1245 v5 for modern multi-threaded rendering, integrated graphics, and a locked, stable platform. The data shows both are competent mid-range parts, and the right pick depends entirely on the software you run.