AMD Ryzen 7 1700 vs Intel Xeon E-2124G Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a clear split between two very different processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 dominates the multi-threaded workload segment, winning three of the four recorded head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Xeon E-2124G claims a single, but significant, victory in single-threaded performance.

For workloads that scale with core count, such as rendering, encoding, or heavily parallelized scientific computing, the Ryzen 7 1700 is the obvious choice. Its 8-core, 16-thread configuration overwhelms the Xeon's 4-core, 4-thread design. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen posts a score of 1414 compared to the Xeon's 613, a difference of 56.6%. This advantage is consistent in Geekbench multi-core, where the Ryzen scores 5475 against 4263.

Conversely, the Intel Xeon E-2124G is the pick for single-threaded responsiveness and lightly threaded applications. Its boost clock of 4.50 GHz gives it a 40.6% lead in Geekbench single-core. Users running legacy software, certain database workloads, or applications that rely on high-frequency single-core performance will find the Xeon's architecture more suitable. However, it is important to note that in Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 actually wins, scoring 147 to the Xeon's 86. This benchmark inconsistency suggests the Xeon's advantage is application-specific rather than universal.

The average benchmark scores for both processors are nearly identical (2034 for the Xeon, 2015 for the Ryzen), placing both in the 45th percentile of all CPUs in the database. This indicates that while their performance profiles differ drastically, their overall geometric mean performance is comparable. The choice is not about which is faster on average, but which faster profile matches the user's specific workload.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divergence between these two parts is stark, explaining their benchmark behavior. The Intel Xeon E-2124G comes from the Coffee Lake-S WS generation, built on a 14 nm process at Intel. It is a 4-core, 4-thread part with no hyper-threading, a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. Its die size is 126 mm². The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 uses the Zen architecture, built on a 14nm process at GlobalFoundries. It provides 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost of 3.70 GHz. Its die size is significantly larger at 213 mm², containing 4,800 million transistors.

Cache hierarchies are also distinct. The Xeon features 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, with a total of 8 MB of shared L3. The Ryzen has a larger 96 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, plus a 16 MB shared L3. This larger cache pool on the AMD part can help with larger working sets.

Connectivity and memory support are largely similar. Both are dual-channel DDR4 parts with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, and both support ECC memory. Both utilize PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. A notable difference is the integrated graphics: the Xeon E-2124G includes HD Graphics P630, while the Ryzen 7 1700 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. The Xeon features a locked multiplier, while the Ryzen's is unlocked, a fact that matters for overclocking scenarios. The Intel part is end-of-life, while the AMD part is Active.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data isolates two distinct performance domains.

The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 wins in multi-core workflows. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 1414 is 56.6% higher than the Intel's. This is a massive lead reflecting the core count advantage. Similarly, in Geekbench multi-core, the Ryzen's score of 5475 is 22.1% higher than the Xeon's 4263. This suggests the Ryzen is the superior processor for video rendering, 3D model generation, and compiling software.

The Intel Xeon E-2124G wins in a single specific single-core workload. Its Geekbench single-core score of 1438 beats the Ryzen's 1023 by 40.6%. This shows that in the Geekbench single-core test, the Xeon's high boost clock of 4.50 GHz provides a decisive advantage. This is relevant for applications with a heavy primary thread, such as older games or certain simulation software.

Tthe Cinebench R15 single-core test shows a different result. The Ryzen 7 1700 wins with a score of 147 against the Xeon's 86, a margin of 41.5%. This inconsistency in the single-core results suggests the Intel's advantage is test-specific and not a universal truth.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is better for multi-threaded workloads like video editing?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700. Data shows it leads the Intel Xeon E-2124G by 56.6% in Cinebench R15 multi-core and by 22.1% in Geekbench multi-core.

Q: The Intel Xeon has a higher boost clock, does it always win in single-core tests?

A: No. The Intel Xeon E-2124G only wins in Geekbench single-core, with a 40.6% lead. In the Cinebench R15 single-core test, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 wins by 41.5%.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E-2124G and the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 support ECC memory.

Q: Do I need a dedicated graphics card for either processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 requires one as it has no integrated graphics. The Intel Xeon E-2124G has integrated HD Graphics P630.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in overall average performance?

A: They are nearly identical. The Intel Xeon E-2124G has an average benchmark score of 2034, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has an average of 2015.

Q: Are these processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Xeon E-2124G has a locked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data provides a specific breakdown of their relative performance.

The largest victory for the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test. The Ryzen scores a 1414, while the Xeon E-2124G scores 613. The delta shows the AMD is 56.6% faster. This is the most substantial margin in the entire set of comparisons and shows a clear advantage for parallel workloads.

The second biggest win for the AMD is in the Cinebench R15 single-core test. Here, the Ryzen 7 1700 scores 147 to the Intel's 86, a 41.5% lead. This is a notable result, as it contradicts the expectations set by clock speeds.

The third victory for the AMD occurs in the Geekbench multi-core test. The Ryzen's 5475 score is 22.1% higher than the Intel Xeon's 4263. This reinforces the advantage of having more cores and threads.

The Intel Xeon E-2124G achieves its sole victory in the Geekbench single-core test. With a score of 1438, it is a 40.6% advantage over the Ryzen's 1023. This is a substantial single-core win that highlights the Xeon's strength in lightly-threaded tasks.

In summary, the data shows 3 wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 and 1 win for the Intel Xeon E-2124G. The AMD's wins are in multi-core and one of the single-core tests, where the Intel's victory is confined to a specific Geekbench test. The results paint a picture of an AMD CPU that is, on balance, the faster of the two, with the Intel retaining a narrow but significant edge in a specific single-core workload.