AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G vs Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G and Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 are two processors from different eras and market segments, yet their benchmark results place them in a surprisingly close contest. The data shows a consistent, albeit narrow, advantage for the AMD part across every Cinebench test, with the Xeon trailing by roughly one point in every discipline. This head-to-head analysis will dissect the benchmark scores, architectural differences, and specification gaps to determine which processor holds the edge in specific workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are remarkably consistent, with the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G winning all six Cinebench comparisons. The largest margin is a 1.2% lead in the multi-core R15, R20, and R23 tests, while the single-core tests show a 1% to 1.2% advantage. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 732 against the Xeon's 723, a 1.2% delta. The single-core R15 test is closer, with 103 versus 102, a 1% delta.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the pattern holds. The AMD part scores 3051 in multi-core versus 3015 for the Intel, again a 1.2% delta. In the R20 single-core test, the AMD scores 430 against 425, maintaining the 1.2% lead. The most recent Cinebench R23 results continue the trend: the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G achieves 7266 in multi-core and 1025 in single-core, while the Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 manages 7179 and 1013 respectively. Both deltas sit at 1.2%.

These margins are small but absolute in direction. The AMD processor wins every single benchmark, yet the deltas are so narrow that they fall within typical run-to-run variance. The average benchmark scores reflect this: the AMD part has an average score of 2101, while the Intel has 2076. Both processors sit at the 46th percentile among all CPUs, indicating that despite their different architectures and core counts, they land in the same performance tier. The nearest rivals for the AMD include the Intel Core i3-8350K (2096, +0.3%) and Intel Core i5-8259U (2108, -0.3%). For the Intel Xeon, the closest competitors are the Intel Xeon W-2123 (2079, -0.1%) and Intel Core i3-9350KF (2082, -0.3%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different designs. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G uses the Zen architecture on a 14nm process node from GlobalFoundries, with a die size of 210 mm² and 4,950 million transistors. The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 uses the Haswell architecture on a 22nm node from Intel, with a larger die of 356 mm² but fewer transistors at 2,600 million. This means AMD packs more transistors into a smaller die, aligning with its newer manufacturing process.

Core and cache configurations diverge sharply. The AMD part has 4 cores and 8 threads, with 96 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache per core, plus a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The Intel Xeon doubles the core count to 8 cores and 16 threads, but has smaller per-core caches: 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2. Its L3 cache is significantly larger at 20 MB shared. The Xeon's extra cores and threads do not translate into a benchmark win, as the AMD's higher clock speeds compensate.

Clock speed is another major differentiator. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G has a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 runs at a lower 2.50 GHz base and 3.00 GHz boost. This 1.1 GHz base clock advantage and 0.9 GHz boost advantage for the AMD part explains why it can match or exceed the Xeon's multi-threaded performance despite having half the cores. The AMD processor also benefits from a lower TDP of 65 watts versus 85 watts for the Intel.

Memory support shows a generational gap. Both support DDR4, but the AMD uses a dual-channel memory bus with 46.9 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel uses a quad-channel bus with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory. The AMD part includes integrated Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics, while the Intel Xeon has no integrated graphics at all. The AMD has 8 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, whereas the Intel provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, reflecting the Xeon's server/workstation heritage.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmarks in this comparison?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, including R15, R20, and R23 in both single-core and multi-core variants.

Q: How large is the performance gap between the two in multi-core tests?

A: The AMD leads by exactly 1.2% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. The scores are 732 vs 723, 3051 vs 3015, and 7266 vs 7179 respectively.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon's higher core count provide a benchmark advantage?

A: No. Despite having 8 cores and 16 threads versus the AMD's 4 cores and 8 threads, the Xeon loses every multi-core benchmark by 1.2%.

Q: What is the difference in process node technology?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G uses a 14nm node from GlobalFoundries, while the Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 uses a larger 22nm node from Intel.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G includes Radeon RX Vega 11 integrated graphics. The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth specifications for each?

A: The AMD offers 46.9 GB/s via a dual-channel bus, while the Intel offers 68.3 GB/s via a quad-channel bus.

Specification Differences

The specification sheet shows clear divergence in every major category. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G has 4 cores and 8 threads, whereas the Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.60 GHz versus 2.50 GHz, and boost clocks are 3.90 GHz versus 3.00 GHz in favor of AMD.

The TDP is 65 watts for the AMD and 85 watts for the Intel. The AMD uses AMD Socket AM4, while the Intel requires Intel Socket 2011-3. Process nodes are 14nm (GlobalFoundries) versus 22nm (Intel). Transistor counts are 4,950 million versus 2,600 million, with die sizes of 210 mm² versus 356 mm².

Cache hierarchies differ: the AMD has 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core, with 4 MB shared L3. The Intel has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 20 MB shared L3. Memory buses are dual-channel (46.9 GB/s) for AMD and quad-channel (68.3 GB/s) for Intel. PCIe lanes are 8 for AMD versus 40 for Intel. The AMD includes Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics; the Intel has none. The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, the Intel does not. Production status is Active for AMD, End-of-life for Intel. Release dates are 2018-05-09 for AMD and 2014-09-07 for Intel.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear if narrow winner. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G wins every benchmark in this comparison, with a 1.2% lead in all multi-core and most single-core tests. Its average benchmark score of 2101 is higher than the Intel's 2076, and it achieves this with lower power consumption (65W vs 85W), a smaller die, and a more modern 14nm process. The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3, despite having double the cores and threads, cannot overcome the AMD's clock speed advantage.

For users prioritizing raw single-threaded performance or per-core efficiency, the AMD is the data-backed choice. Its 3.90 GHz boost clock delivers a 1025 score in Cinebench R23 single-core, versus 1013 for the Intel. For multi-threaded workloads, the AMD still wins, but the margin is thin enough that the Xeon's advantages in memory bandwidth (68.3 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s) and PCIe lanes (40 vs 8) might matter more in specific server contexts. However, the Xeon is end-of-life, while the AMD remains active.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G wins in every measured benchmark category. It takes the single-core tests by 1% to 1.2%, and the multi-core tests by a consistent 1.2%. This makes it the choice for any workload where Cinebench scores are representative, including general desktop productivity, single-threaded applications, and lightly threaded tasks. Its integrated Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics also give it a functional advantage in systems that cannot use a discrete GPU.

The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3, while losing all benchmarks, still holds non-benchmark advantages. Its quad-channel memory bus provides 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth, which is 45% higher than the AMD's 46.9 GB/s. It also offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes versus 8, making it more suitable for configurations with multiple GPUs or high-speed storage devices. Its 20 MB L3 cache is five times larger than the AMD's 4 MB, potentially benefiting workloads with large working sets. However, based strictly on the Cinebench data provided, the AMD wins all six head-to-head comparisons, and the Xeon registers zero wins.