AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS vs Intel Xeon W-2135 Comparison

The Intel Xeon W-2135 and AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS are both 6-core, 12-thread processors, but they occupy different market segments: the Xeon is a server/workstation part, while the Ryzen is a mobile chip. Benchmark results show a clear split: the Ryzen wins in Cinebench R15, while the Xeon wins in Cinebench R23. The data also reveals substantial architectural differences in process node, cache, memory support, and power envelope, which explain the divergent performance profiles.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS takes the lead in both Cinebench R15 tests. In multi-core, it scores 1563 against the Xeon's 1230, a 21.3% advantage. In single-core, it scores 223 versus 173, a 22.4% edge. These results indicate that for older Cinebench R15 workloads, the Ryzen is clearly faster.

The Intel Xeon W-2135 dominates the newer Cinebench R23 tests. It scores 12205 in multi-core versus the Ryzen's 9564, a 27.6% lead. In single-core, it scores 1723 versus 1367, a 26% advantage. This suggests that for modern Cinebench R23 workloads, the Xeon is the stronger performer.

Beyond raw benchmark wins, the Ryzen offers integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics, which the Xeon lacks. This makes the Ryzen suitable for systems without a discrete GPU. The Xeon, on the other hand, supports ECC memory, quad-channel DDR4, and 48 PCIe lanes, features that are essential for workstation and server environments. The Ryzen's 35W TDP is dramatically lower than the Xeon's 140W, making it ideal for mobile or power-constrained builds.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different platforms. The Xeon uses Intel's 14nm process with a die size of 484 mm², while the Ryzen uses TSMC's 7nm process with a die size of 180 mm². The Ryzen packs 10,700 million transistors, a figure not listed for the Xeon.

Cache hierarchies differ as well. Both have 64 KB of L1 per core, but the Xeon has 1 MB of L2 per core, while the Ryzen has 512 KB per core. The L3 cache is also different: the Xeon has 8.25 MB shared, while the Ryzen has 16 MB shared.

Memory support is a major differentiator. The Xeon uses quad-channel DDR4 with a bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s and supports ECC. The Ryzen uses dual-channel DDR4 with 68.3 GB/s and no ECC. The Xeon also provides 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen lists only Gen 3 without a lane count.

The Xeon is a server/workstation part on Socket 2066, while the Ryzen is a mobile part on Socket FP6. The Xeon is end-of-life, released in August 2017, while the Ryzen is active, released in January 2021. The Xeon has a base clock of 3.70 GHz and boost of 4.50 GHz; the Ryzen has 3.00 GHz base and 4.20 GHz boost. The Xeon's TDP is 140W, the Ryzen's is 35W.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a perfect split across the four Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen wins with 1563 against the Xeon's 1230, a delta of -21.3% (meaning the Xeon trails by 21.3%). In R15 single-core, the Ryzen wins 223 to 173, a delta of -22.4%. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon wins 12205 to 9564, a delta of 27.6%. In R23 single-core, the Xeon wins 1723 to 1367, a delta of 26%.

These results are consistent with the average benchmark scores. The Xeon has an average score of 3530, placing it in the 55th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i3-12300 (3532, delta 0%), the Intel Xeon W-1290TE (3532, delta -0.1%), and the Intel Core i5-10600K (3533, delta -0.1%). The Ryzen has an average score of 3447, in the 54th percentile, with nearest rivals like the Intel Core i7-10870H (3446, delta 0%) and the AMD Ryzen 5 4600HS (3444, delta 0.1%). The two processors are thus in a similar overall performance tier, but their strengths lie in different benchmark generations.

The Verdict

The choice between these two CPUs depends entirely on the workload and platform requirements. For users running Cinebench R23 or similar modern multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Xeon W-2135 is the clear winner, offering 27.6% higher multi-core and 26% higher single-core scores. Its support for ECC memory, quad-channel bandwidth, and 48 PCIe lanes makes it a natural fit for workstation and server builds where data integrity and expandability are critical.

For users prioritizing Cinebench R15 performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS leads by 21.3% in multi-core and 22.4% in single-core. Its integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. The 35W TDP is a massive advantage for mobile laptops or compact desktops where power efficiency is paramount. The Ryzen is also a newer, active product, while the Xeon is end-of-life.

In short, the Xeon is the choice for heavy workstation workloads and server-class features, while the Ryzen is the choice for mobile efficiency and integrated graphics. The data does not declare a single winner; it shows two processors optimized for different environments.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS has 16 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Xeon W-2135 has 8.25 MB.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2135 supports ECC memory; the AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS does not.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2135 boosts to 4.50 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS boosts to 4.20 GHz.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS includes Radeon Vega 7 integrated graphics; the Intel Xeon W-2135 has none.

Q: Which CPU has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2135 has 85.3 GB/s via quad-channel DDR4, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS has 68.3 GB/s via dual-channel.

Q: Which CPU is newer?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS was released in January 2021, while the Intel Xeon W-2135 was released in August 2017.

Specification Differences

• Manufacturer: Intel vs AMD
• Base clock: 3.70 GHz vs 3.00 GHz
• Boost clock: 4.50 GHz vs 4.20 GHz
• TDP: 140 W vs 35 W
• Socket: Intel Socket 2066 vs AMD Socket FP6
• Architecture: Skylake vs Zen 3
• Codename: Skylake-W vs Cezanne
• Generation: Xeon W (Skylake-W) vs Ryzen 5 (Zen 3 (Cezanne))
• Process node: 14 nm vs 7 nm
• Foundry: Intel vs TSMC
• Die size: 484 mm² vs 180 mm²
• Transistors: Not listed vs 10,700 million
• L2 cache: 1 MB per core vs 512 KB per core
• L3 cache: 8.25 MB shared vs 16 MB shared
• Memory bus: Quad-channel vs Dual-channel
• Memory bandwidth: 85.3 GB/s vs 68.3 GB/s
• ECC memory: Yes vs No
• PCIe: Gen 3, 48 Lanes (CPU only) vs Gen 3
• Integrated graphics: None vs Radeon Vega 7
• Market segment: Server/Workstation vs Mobile
• Production status: End-of-life vs Active
• Release date: 2017-08-28 vs 2021-01-11
• Launch MSRP: $835 vs Not listed
• Part number: SR3LN vs 100-000000296