AMD Ryzen 5 4600U vs Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive advantage for the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U across the two shared tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen 5 4600U scores 1089 against the Xeon E5-1630 v4's 651, a 40.2% deficit for the Intel part. This is a substantial gap, reflecting the Ryzen's higher core and thread counts. The single-core result is even more lopsided: the Ryzen 5 4600U posts 175.5 points versus 91 for the Xeon, a 48.1% difference. The Xeon's older Broadwell architecture simply cannot match the per-core efficiency of AMD's Zen 2 design in this workload.

While the head-to-head table only lists these two Cinebench R15 tests, the broader benchmark data reinforces the pattern. The Xeon E5-1630 v4 has additional Cinebench R20 and R23 scores: 2714 multi-core and 383 single-core in R20, and 6464 multi-core and 912 single-core in R23. The Ryzen 5 4600U instead shows Geekbench results: 4715 multi-core and 1347 single-core. These are different test suites, so direct cross-comparison is not possible, but the trend is clear: the Ryzen is a much stronger performer in both single-threaded and multi-threaded scenarios.

The average benchmark scores also tell a story of overall parity, despite the Cinebench gap. The Xeon E5-1630 v4 has an average score of 1869 across its six benchmark entries, while the Ryzen 5 4600U averages 1832 across its four entries. Both processors sit at the 42nd percentile among all CPUs in the database. This suggests that the Xeon's higher scores in the R20 and R23 tests, which are not shared with the Ryzen, help it maintain a similar overall standing. However, in the only apples-to-apples comparisons available, the Ryzen wins both outright.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U wins in every directly comparable benchmark. The Cinebench R15 multi-core and single-core tests both go to the Ryzen, making it the clear choice for raw computational throughput. With 6 cores and 12 threads versus the Xeon's 4 cores and 8 threads, the Ryzen has a structural advantage in any workload that can use multiple threads. The 40.2% lead in multi-core Cinebench R15 is exactly what you would expect from a processor with 50% more cores and 50% more threads, though the efficiency of the Zen 2 architecture also plays a role.

The single-core win is arguably more significant. A 48.1% advantage in Cinebench R15 single-core means the Ryzen is not just better at parallel tasks; it is dramatically faster at lightly threaded work. This affects everyday responsiveness, application launches, and any software that relies on one or two fast cores. The Xeon's 4.00 GHz boost clock matches the Ryzen's 4.00 GHz boost clock exactly, yet the Ryzen still wins by a wide margin. This points to a superior instruction pipeline and IPC (instructions per clock) in the Zen 2 core.

For the Xeon E5-1630 v4, its wins are not visible in the shared benchmark suite. It does have a higher average benchmark score overall (1869 versus 1832), driven by its strong R20 and R23 results. The Xeon's 10 MB of shared L3 cache is also larger than the Ryzen's 8 MB, which could benefit certain cache-sensitive workloads. Additionally, the Xeon supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with a theoretical bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, versus the Ryzen's dual-channel 51.2 GB/s. For memory-bound tasks, the Xeon's platform has a theoretical advantage, though the benchmark data does not directly test this.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different eras and design philosophies. The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 is built on Intel's 14 nm process, with a transistor count of 3,400 million on a 246 mm² die. It uses the Broadwell-EP architecture, a refinement of Intel's Haswell design, and was released in June 2016. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U, in contrast, uses TSMC's 7 nm process, packs 9,800 million transistors into a smaller 156 mm² die, and employs the Zen 2 (Renoir) architecture. It launched in January 2020, nearly four years later. The process node difference is stark: 14 nm versus 7 nm, which explains much of the efficiency gap.

The core configurations differ significantly. The Xeon has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Ryzen has 6 cores and 12 threads. Both use a 64 KB L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache differs: 256 KB per core on the Xeon versus 512 KB per core on the Ryzen. The shared L3 cache is 10 MB on the Xeon and 8 MB on the Ryzen. The Ryzen's larger L2 is a notable architectural choice, as it provides more fast cache close to each core.

Memory support is another major divergence. The Xeon uses quad-channel DDR4 with a theoretical bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s and supports ECC memory. The Ryzen uses dual-channel DDR4 or LPDDR4, with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, and does not support ECC. This makes the Xeon more suitable for error-correcting memory in server or workstation contexts, even though it is classified as a desktop part. The Xeon also offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, while the Ryzen provides Gen 3 connectivity without a specified lane count in the database.

The Ryzen includes integrated graphics in the form of Radeon RX Vega 6, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics at all. The Xeon requires a discrete GPU for any display output. The TDP figures are also wildly different: 140 watts for the Xeon versus 15 watts for the Ryzen. This nearly tenfold difference in power envelope has major implications for cooling and system design. The Xeon uses the Intel Socket 2011-3, while the Ryzen uses the AMD Socket FP6, meaning they are not interchangeable in any existing motherboard.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U is significantly faster. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 175.5 versus the Xeon E5-1630 v4's 91, a 48.1% advantage.

Q: How do the multi-core scores compare?

A: The Ryzen 5 4600U also wins in multi-core. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1089 against the Xeon's 651, a 40.2% lead.

Q: Do both processors have the same boost clock?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 and the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U have a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. Despite this, the Ryzen still wins the single-core benchmark decisively.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U does not support ECC.

Q: What is the difference in power consumption?

A: The Xeon E5-1630 v4 has a TDP of 140 watts, while the Ryzen 5 4600U has a TDP of 15 watts. This is a substantial difference in thermal design power.

Q: Do these processors use the same socket?

A: No. The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 uses Intel Socket 2011-3, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U uses AMD Socket FP6. They are not compatible with each other.

The Verdict

The data points to a single conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U is the superior processor for nearly any task that relies on CPU computation. It wins both shared benchmarks by margins of 40% or more, has a more modern architecture, more cores and threads, and does so at a fraction of the power consumption. The Ryzen's 15 watt TDP versus the Xeon's 140 watt TDP makes it a far more practical choice for any system where heat and power draw matter. Its integrated Radeon RX Vega 6 graphics also eliminates the need for a separate GPU in basic systems.

The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 retains a few specific appeals. Its quad-channel memory support with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth and ECC capability make it interesting for memory-intensive or reliability-focused workstation builds. The larger 10 MB L3 cache could also help in certain cache-heavy workloads. However, the benchmark results do not show any scenario where the Xeon outperforms the Ryzen in the tests they share. Its higher average benchmark score (1869 versus 1832) is driven by tests that the Ryzen does not have, so this is not a direct comparison.

For a buyer choosing between these two today, the choice depends on the platform. The Xeon requires a Socket 2011-3 motherboard and a discrete GPU, plus substantial cooling for its 140 watt TDP. The Ryzen 5 4600U is a mobile processor designed for laptops or compact systems, with integrated graphics and low power draw. Given that the Ryzen is also faster in every measured category, it is the rational pick for performance. The Xeon only makes sense if you specifically need ECC memory, quad-channel bandwidth, or already own a compatible motherboard.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 | AMD Ryzen 5 4600U |

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

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 140 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | AMD Socket FP6 |

| Architecture | Broadwell | Zen 2 |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 7 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | 3,400 million | 9,800 million |

| Die Size | 246 mm² | 156 mm² |

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

| L3 Cache | 10 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, LPDDR4 |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 40 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon RX Vega 6 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

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

| Release Date | 2016-06-19 | 2020-01-05 |

| Launch MSRP | $406 | Not listed |

| Part Number | SR2PF | 100-000000105 |