AMD Ryzen 7 1700 vs Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear and decisive pattern in the direct comparison between these two processors. Across the two shared benchmark tests, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 wins both, and the margins are substantial.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 scores 1414, while the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 scores 712. That is a 49.6% advantage for the AMD part, meaning the Ryzen 7 1700 delivers nearly double the multi-threaded performance in this workload. The Xeon's 4 cores and 8 threads are simply outmatched by the Ryzen's 8 cores and 16 threads.

The single-core result is also in AMD's favor, though the gap is smaller. The Ryzen 7 1700 scores 147 in Cinebench R15 single-core, against the Xeon's 100. This represents a 32% lead for the AMD processor. The Xeon's higher boost clock of 4.00 GHz does not translate into a win here; the Ryzen's lower 3.70 GHz boost clock still produces a higher score, indicating better instructions-per-clock efficiency in this test.

The overall record shows 0 wins for the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 and 2 wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 1700. The data does not leave room for ambiguity. In every head-to-head measurement available, the Ryzen 7 1700 is the faster processor.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different design philosophies and manufacturing ecosystems. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 uses the Skylake architecture, specifically the Skylake-DT codename, built on a 14 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 uses the Zen architecture, codenamed Summit Ridge, also on a 14 nm process, but fabricated by GlobalFoundries.

The transistor counts tell a story of scale. The Intel chip packs 1,750 million transistors on a die size of 122 mm². The AMD chip contains 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. The Ryzen 7 1700 is a much larger and more complex chip, which aligns with its higher core count.

Core and thread configurations differ sharply. The Xeon offers 4 cores and 8 threads. The Ryzen 7 1700 offers 8 cores and 16 threads. This doubling of resources is the primary reason for the multi-core benchmark gap.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Xeon has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen 7 1700 has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has more cache at every level, which contributes to its performance advantage.

Memory support is another differentiator. The Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the Ryzen 7 1700 supports only DDR4. Both are dual-channel, but the AMD chip has a higher memory bandwidth rating at 42.7 GB/s, compared to the Intel's 34.1 GB/s.

The integrated graphics situation is asymmetric. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 includes HD Graphics P530, making it a viable option for systems that need a display output without a discrete GPU. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has no integrated graphics at all, requiring a dedicated graphics card for any display output.

PCIe capabilities are identical: both run Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Socket platforms differ, with the Xeon on Intel Socket 1151 and the Ryzen 7 1700 on AMD Socket AM4.

The market segments also differ. The Xeon is classified as a Server/Workstation part, while the Ryzen 7 1700 is a Desktop processor. The Xeon is end-of-life in production status, whereas the Ryzen 7 1700 remains active.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data points to a straightforward conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 wins in both available test categories, so any use-case analysis must start from that premise.

For multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 7 1700 is the clear choice. The 49.6% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core indicates strong performance in rendering, video encoding, compilation, and other tasks that scale with core count. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration gives it a structural advantage that the Xeon cannot overcome.

For single-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 7 1700 also wins, with a 32% margin in Cinebench R15 single-core. This is notable because the Xeon has a higher boost clock, yet still loses. The result suggests the Zen architecture's instruction efficiency is competitive or superior in this specific test.

Where might the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 still be relevant? The presence of integrated graphics means it can operate in headless server or workstation environments without a discrete GPU, potentially reducing system cost and complexity. The Xeon also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, offering flexibility for systems with existing DDR3 inventory. Its lower transistor count and smaller die also imply lower manufacturing complexity, though that is not a user-facing benefit.

The Ryzen 7 1700's unlocked multiplier is a feature the Xeon lacks. This allows overclocking, which could further extend its performance lead beyond the stock scores recorded in the database. The Xeon's locked multiplier means its 4.00 GHz boost clock is the ceiling for stock operation.

For workloads that benefit from ECC memory, both CPUs support it, so that is not a differentiator. For power efficiency, the Ryzen 7 1700 has a lower TDP at 65 watts, compared to the Xeon's 80 watts, while delivering significantly more performance.

The Verdict

The data points decisively toward the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 for any user prioritizing raw performance. It wins both head-to-head benchmarks by large margins, offers double the cores and threads, more cache, higher memory bandwidth, and a lower TDP. The only areas where the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 holds an edge are integrated graphics presence and memory flexibility with DDR3 support.

The average benchmark scores place both chips at the 45th percentile versus all CPUs, with the Xeon at an average score of 2043 and the Ryzen 7 1700 at 2015. These are nearly identical averages, which suggests that the Ryzen's strong Cinebench performance may not translate equally across all workloads. The nearest rivals for the Xeon include the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U at 2046, the Intel Core i7-7700T at 2039, the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 at 2048, and the AMD Opteron 6386 SE at 2038. The Ryzen 7 1700's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B at 2012, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE at 2025, the Intel Core i5-8300H at 2005, and the Intel Xeon D-1712TR at 2004.

Given the head-to-head results, the Ryzen 7 1700 is the superior processor for compute-heavy tasks. Its active production status also means it remains available for new builds, while the Xeon is end-of-life. The Xeon's niche is confined to scenarios where its integrated GPU is essential or where legacy DDR3 memory is a requirement.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has 4; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has 8.
• Threads: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has 8; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has 16.
• Base Clock: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 3.60 GHz; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 3.00 GHz.
• Boost Clock: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 4.00 GHz; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 3.70 GHz.
• TDP: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 80 W; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 65 W.
• Socket: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 uses Intel Socket 1151; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 uses AMD Socket AM4.
• Architecture: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is Skylake; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is Zen.
• Transistors: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has 1,750 million; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has 4,800 million.
• Die Size: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 122 mm²; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 213 mm².
• L1 Cache: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 64 KB per core; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 96 KB per core.
• L2 Cache: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 256 KB per core; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 512 KB per core.
• L3 Cache: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 8 MB shared; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 16 MB shared.
• Memory Support: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 supports DDR3 and DDR4; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 supports DDR4 only.
• Memory Bandwidth: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is 34.1 GB/s; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is 42.7 GB/s.
• Integrated Graphics: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has HD Graphics P530; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has none.
• Market Segment: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is Server/Workstation; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is Desktop.
• Production Status: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is End-of-life; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is Active.
• Multiplier Unlocked: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 is false; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is true.
• Launch MSRP: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 was $350; AMD Ryzen 7 1700 was $329.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is significantly faster. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1414 versus the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5's 712, a 49.6% advantage for AMD.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 win any benchmark in the head-to-head data?

A: No. The recorded head-to-head results show zero wins for the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 and two wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 1700.

Q: Can the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 be overclocked?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 does not have an unlocked multiplier.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 includes HD Graphics P530. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 has 34.1 GB/s.

Q: Which processor supports DDR3 memory?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 supports DDR4 only.