AMD Ryzen 5 5560U vs Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U and the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 represent two very different approaches to computing, separated by nearly seven years of processor design. The Ryzen 5 5560U is a modern mobile chip built for efficiency, while the Xeon E5-1660 v3 is a high-power workstation part from the Haswell era. Benchmark results in the database show a clear split: the AMD chip wins heavily in older single-threaded and multi-threaded tests, while the Intel chip dominates newer rendering workloads. The data shows that the Ryzen 5 5560U holds a 53rd percentile ranking among all CPUs, while the Xeon E5-1660 v3 sits at the 52nd percentile, making them nearly equivalent in overall standing despite their architectural differences.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result in the head-to-head comparison comes from Cinebench R15. In the multi-core test, the AMD Ryzen 5 5560U scores 1280 against the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3's 1074, a 19.2% advantage for the AMD part. This is notable because the Xeon has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Ryzen has only 6 cores and 12 threads. The Ryzen overcomes its core deficit through superior per-core performance, which is driven by its Zen 3 architecture and higher boost clock. The single-core R15 result is even more decisive: the Ryzen scores 202 versus the Xeon's 151, a 33.8% margin. This is the largest performance gap recorded between these two processors in any test, and it illustrates how far CPU design advanced between 2014 and 2021.

However, the results flip dramatically when looking at Cinebench R23. In the multi-core test, the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 scores 10656, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5560U scores 7667. The Xeon is 28% faster, a reversal that suggests the newer test scales better with the Xeon's additional cores and its 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The single-core R23 result also favors the Xeon, with a score of 1504 against the Ryzen's 1260, a 16.2% delta. This is surprising given that the Ryzen has a 4.00 GHz boost clock versus the Xeon's 3.50 GHz, but the recorded data is unambiguous. The Xeon's Haswell cores, despite their age, deliver higher raw performance in this specific workload.

The win count is exactly even: 2 wins for the AMD Ryzen 5 5560U and 2 wins for the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3. The average benchmark score for the Ryzen is 3162, while the Xeon averages 3082. The Ryzen's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Xeon E5-2676 v3 with an average score of 3163, the AMD Ryzen 3 5300GE at 3160, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5850U at 3159, and the Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4 at 3154. The Xeon E5-1660 v3's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-6850K at 3079, the Intel Core i7-8700B at 3086, the Intel Xeon W-2133 at 3087, and the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X at 3068. These figures place both processors in the same performance tier, with the Ryzen holding a slim 2.6% average score advantage.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is the clear winner in legacy benchmark scenarios. Its 33.8% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core performance is its strongest asset, and its 19.2% lead in R15 multi-core shows that even in multi-threaded workloads from that era, the modern architecture prevails. The Ryzen's 2.30 GHz base clock and 4.00 GHz boost clock allow it to reach higher frequencies more quickly, and its 7 nm process node from TSMC gives it a power efficiency advantage that the Xeon cannot match. The Ryzen also includes integrated Radeon Vega 6 graphics, which makes it a self-contained solution for systems that do not require a discrete GPU.

The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 wins in modern rendering workloads. Its 28% advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core is the largest margin in its favor, and its 16.2% lead in R23 single-core confirms that it is not merely a multi-core specialist. The Xeon's 8 cores, 16 threads, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache give it a structural advantage in workloads that are optimized for newer instruction sets and larger cache hierarchies. The Xeon also benefits from quad-channel memory support with 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth, compared to the Ryzen's dual-channel 51.2 GB/s. For workstation tasks that involve large datasets, the Xeon's memory subsystem is a significant advantage. The Xeon also has 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, versus the Ryzen's 8 lanes, which allows for more expansion cards and high-bandwidth peripherals.

The Ryzen's 15 W TDP versus the Xeon's 140 W TDP is the most extreme difference between the two, and it dictates where each processor belongs. The Ryzen is designed for mobile systems where power consumption and heat dissipation are critical, while the Xeon is designed for server and workstation platforms where performance is the priority and power is a secondary concern.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score in Cinebench R15?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U scores 202, which is 33.8% higher than the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3's 151.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 win any benchmark tests?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 10656 against the Ryzen's 7667, and Cinebench R23 single-core with 1504 against 1260.

Q: How do the two processors compare in average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U has an average benchmark score of 3162, while the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 has an average score of 3082.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor supports more memory channels?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 supports quad-channel memory with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5560U supports dual-channel memory with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the process node for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is built on a 7 nm process by TSMC, while the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 is built on a 22 nm process by Intel.

Specification Differences

The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U and Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 differ in nearly every core specification. The Ryzen has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Xeon has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ryzen's base clock is 2.30 GHz and its boost clock is 4.00 GHz, while the Xeon's base clock is 3.00 GHz and its boost clock is 3.50 GHz. The Ryzen has a TDP of 15 W, while the Xeon has a TDP of 140 W. The Ryzen uses AMD Socket FP6, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 2011-3.

The cache configurations are also different. The Ryzen has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 cache per core, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, with 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon's larger L3 cache is a direct result of its server-oriented design, which benefits from larger pools of shared data.

Memory support differs in channel count and bandwidth. The Ryzen supports dual-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Xeon supports quad-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. Both processors support ECC memory, which is a requirement for workstation and server reliability. The PCIe configurations are also different: the Ryzen provides Gen 3 with 8 lanes from the CPU, while the Xeon provides Gen 3 with 40 lanes from the CPU.

The Ryzen includes integrated Radeon Vega 6 graphics, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output. The Ryzen's multiplier is locked, while the Xeon's multiplier is unlocked, allowing for overclocking on compatible boards. The Ryzen is marked as Active in production status, while the Xeon is End-of-life. The release dates are separated by over six years: the Ryzen was released on January 11, 2021, while the Xeon was released on September 7, 2014. The Xeon has a part number of SR20N, which is not listed for the Ryzen.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial. The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is built on Zen 3 architecture, with the codename Cezanne-U, and is part of the 5000 series. It uses a 7 nm process node manufactured by TSMC, with 10,700 million transistors on a die size of 180 mm². The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 is built on Haswell architecture, with the codename Haswell-EP, and is part of the Xeon E5 generation. It uses a 22 nm process node manufactured by Intel, with 2,600 million transistors on a die size of 356 mm².

The transistor count difference is stark: the Ryzen packs 10,700 million transistors into a smaller die, while the Xeon uses 2,600 million transistors on a larger die. This is a direct consequence of the process node advancement. The 7 nm process allows for much higher transistor density, which enables the Ryzen to achieve higher performance per watt. The Xeon's 22 nm process is nearly three generations old by comparison, and its larger die size reflects the less dense manufacturing technology of 2014.

The memory architecture also reflects their different target markets. The Ryzen's dual-channel memory bus with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth is sufficient for mobile workloads, while the Xeon's quad-channel bus with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth is designed for memory-intensive server and workstation applications. The PCIe lane count reinforces this: the Xeon's 40 lanes allow for multiple GPUs, NVMe drives, and network cards, while the Ryzen's 8 lanes are adequate for a single GPU and basic peripherals.

The market segments are clearly defined: the Ryzen is a Mobile processor, while the Xeon is a Server/Workstation processor. The Ryzen's integrated graphics, Radeon Vega 6, make it a complete solution for thin-and-light laptops, while the Xeon's lack of integrated graphics assumes the presence of a discrete GPU in a workstation environment. The Xeon's unlocked multiplier is a workstation feature that allows for tuning, while the Ryzen's locked multiplier reflects its mobile focus where power and thermals are tightly controlled.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear choice based on workload priorities. The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is the better option for users who prioritize single-threaded performance in legacy applications. Its 33.8% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core and 19.2% lead in R15 multi-core demonstrate that its modern Zen 3 architecture delivers superior per-core efficiency. Its 15 W TDP also makes it suitable for mobile systems where power consumption is a primary constraint. The Ryzen's integrated Radeon Vega 6 graphics further simplify system design for compact devices.

The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 is the better choice for modern multi-threaded rendering workloads. Its 28% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 16.2% lead in R23 single-core show that its additional cores and larger L3 cache provide tangible benefits in current software. Its quad-channel memory support with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth and 40 PCIe lanes make it a more capable platform for workstations that require high memory throughput and extensive expansion options. The unlocked multiplier also allows for overclocking in capable systems.

The overall average benchmark scores are close, with the Ryzen at 3162 and the Xeon at 3082, but the workload-specific results are what matter for selection. Users running older software will see better performance from the Ryzen, while users running modern renderers will prefer the Xeon. The Ryzen's production status is Active, while the Xeon is End-of-life, which may influence long-term platform decisions. The Ryzen is the modern, efficient choice for mobile and light workloads, while the Xeon remains a capable, high-power workstation part for heavy multi-threaded tasks. The two processors tie in benchmark wins at 2 each, but the nature of those wins points to entirely different use cases.