AMD Ryzen 5 3400G vs Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G and Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, but they target different segments and eras. Benchmark data shows a consistent, though not overwhelming, performance advantage for the AMD part across every measured workload, while the Intel chip offers features like ECC memory support that the AMD part lacks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G wins all six recorded comparisons against the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Ryzen scores 789 versus the Xeon's 712, a 10.8% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows a similar gap, with the Ryzen at 111 and the Xeon at 100, representing an 11% lead.

This pattern continues in newer Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R20, the Ryzen 5 3400G posts 3290 multicore and 464 single-core, while the Xeon E3-1275 v5 manages 2967 and 418, respectively. The deltas are 10.9% for multicore and 11% for single-core. The most demanding test, Cinebench R23, shows the Ryzen at 7835 multicore and 1106 single-core, against 7065 and 997 for the Xeon. The multicore delta is 10.9%, and the single-core delta is 10.9%.

The consistency of the 10.8% to 11% margin across all tests is notable. It suggests that the performance difference is systemic, not workload-specific. The Ryzen 5 3400G's higher base clock of 3.70 GHz and boost clock of 4.20 GHz, compared to the Xeon's 3.60 GHz and 4.00 GHz, likely contribute to this uniform advantage. The data shows no benchmark where the Xeon closes the gap or takes a lead; it trails by roughly a tenth in every category. With 6 wins for the AMD part and 0 for the Intel part, the head-to-head record is a clean sweep.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures from different generations. The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G uses the Zen+ architecture, codenamed Picasso, manufactured on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 uses the Skylake architecture, codenamed Skylake-DT, on Intel's 14 nm process. The AMD chip integrates 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die, while the Intel chip has 1,750 million transistors on a 122 mm² die.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The Ryzen 5 3400G has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 has smaller per-core caches at 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2, but a larger 8 MB shared L3 cache. This trade-off—more per-core cache on the AMD side versus double the L3 on the Intel side—reflects the different design philosophies of the two architectures.

Memory support is another key differentiator. The Ryzen 5 3400G supports DDR4 memory only, in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, but with a lower memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The AMD part also does not support ECC memory, while the Intel Xeon explicitly does, aligning with its server/workstation market segment.

The integrated graphics are vastly different. The Ryzen 5 3400G features Radeon RX Vega 11, a substantial integrated GPU for a desktop processor. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 has HD Graphics P530, which is a more basic offering. The AMD chip is also multiplier-unlocked, allowing overclocking, while the Xeon is locked. The AMD processor uses the AMD Socket AM4, while the Intel part uses Intel Socket 1151.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data shows that the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G wins in raw computational throughput across all tested Cinebench workloads, both single-core and multi-core. This makes it the stronger choice for any application that relies on CPU compute performance, such as rendering, video encoding, or general productivity tasks. The consistent 11% lead in single-core performance also gives it an edge in lightly-threaded applications like everyday desktop use and older games.

The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5, despite losing all benchmark comparisons, has distinct advantages in specific use cases. Its support for ECC memory is a critical feature for mission-critical workloads where data integrity is paramount. As a server/workstation part, it is designed for stability and reliability in always-on environments. The Xeon also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, offering flexibility in system building that the AMD part does not provide.

The integrated graphics situation creates a clear split. The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G's Radeon RX Vega 11 makes it a viable solution for a budget gaming or media PC without a discrete GPU. The Intel Xeon's HD Graphics P530 is capable for display output but not intended for demanding graphics work. For systems requiring ECC memory or a server-grade feature set, the Xeon is the appropriate choice. For general computing and graphics output, the Ryzen is superior.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G scores 7835, which is 10.9% higher than the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5's score of 7065.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G support ECC memory?

A: No, the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G does not support ECC memory. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 does support ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in single-core performance in Cinebench R20?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G scores 464, an 11% advantage over the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5, which scores 418.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G has 4 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, only the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is locked.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G has a memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s, while the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 3400G | Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Architecture | Zen+ | Skylake |

| Codename | Picasso | Skylake-DT |

| Process Node | 12 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Transistors | 4,940 million | 1,750 million |

| Die Size | 210 mm² | 122 mm² |

| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.20 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 80 W |

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

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

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

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

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon RX Vega 11 | HD Graphics P530 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

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

| Release Date | 2019-07-06 | 2015-10-18 |

| Launch MSRP | $149 | $350 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | YD3400C5M4MFH / YD3400C5FHBOX | SR2LKSR2CT |