AMD Ryzen 7 1700X vs Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive sweep for the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X in the available head-to-head comparisons. The most striking result is in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, where the AMD processor scores 1537 against the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5's 713. That is a delta of 115.6% in favor of the Ryzen, meaning the AMD part delivers more than double the multi-threaded performance of the Intel chip in this specific workload. This is not a marginal gap; it is a generational chasm in raw throughput.

The single-core picture, while still favoring AMD, is far narrower. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ryzen 7 1700X posts 154 points, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 scores 100. The delta here is 54% for the AMD part. Both chips have a boost clock close to each other (3.80 GHz for AMD, 4.00 GHz for Intel), yet the AMD architecture extracts a 54% higher result in this test. This suggests that the Zen core design, despite the lower boost clock, has a significant per-clock efficiency advantage in this specific benchmark, at least according to the database's measurements.

Looking at the broader average benchmark scores, the two processors sit very close in overall standing. The Ryzen 7 1700X has an average score of 2094, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 has an average of 2048. This places both in the 46th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The near-identical average scores, however, mask the completely different performance profiles. The Ryzen's strength is overwhelming in multi-core tasks, whereas the Xeon's average is buoyed by a different set of benchmark results that are not directly comparable in the head-to-head table (the Intel part has scores in Cinebench R20 and R23 that the AMD part does not have in this dataset).

For context on the Ryzen's standing, its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i3-8350K with an average score of 2096 (a delta of -0.1%), and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G with 2101 (a delta of -0.3%). These competitors are within a fraction of a percent of the Ryzen's average score. The Xeon's closest rival is the Intel Core i7-7820HK, which matches its score exactly at 2048 (0% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is nearly identical at 2046 (0.1% delta). Notably, the Xeon E3-1270 v5's own sibling, the Xeon E3-1275 v5, scores 2043, which is a 0.2% delta, placing the two Xeon parts almost equally in the database's overall ranking.

The wins tally is unambiguous: the Ryzen 7 1700X wins both recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 wins none. The magnitude of the multi-core win is the headline statistic. A 115.6% delta in a multi-core render test means the AMD chip finishes the same workload in roughly half the time. The single-core win of 54% is equally important because it refutes the common expectation that Intel's higher boost clock would guarantee a single-thread victory. In this dataset, the AMD part is faster in both domains.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is the clear winner for any workload that scales with core count and thread count. With 8 cores and 16 threads against the Xeon's 4 cores and 8 threads, the Ryzen has a structural advantage that shows up directly in the Cinebench R15 multi-core result. The 1537 score versus 713 indicates that the Ryzen is the processor to choose for video rendering, 3D scene compilation, batch photo processing, or any other task that can distribute work across all available threads. The data indicates a 115.6% lead in this category, which is a decisive factor for content creation and heavy multitasking environments.

The more surprising win for the Ryzen is in single-core performance. The Xeon E3-1270 v5 has a higher base clock (3.60 versus 3.40 GHz) and a higher boost clock (4.00 versus 3.80 GHz), yet it loses the Cinebench R15 single-core test by 54%. This means that even for lightly threaded applications, which often favor high clock speeds, the Ryzen's architecture delivers superior results in this benchmark. The Xeon's higher clocks do not translate into a win here, so the Ryzen takes the single-core category as well.

The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 does not have a single winning benchmark in the head-to-head data. Its only notable advantage in the specification sheet is its lower TDP: 80 watts versus the Ryzen's 95 watts. For a system builder prioritizing power draw and thermal output, the Xeon is the more efficient part on paper. However, the database's benchmark results do not show any performance scenario where the Xeon comes out ahead. The Xeon is also listed as an end-of-life product, whereas the Ryzen is still active in production.

For users who already own an Intel Socket 1151 platform, the Xeon E3-1270 v5 might be a drop-in consideration, but the benchmark data does not support choosing it on performance grounds. The Ryzen 7 1700X wins every measured comparison. The only scenario where the Xeon could be deemed preferable is one where the lower power envelope is the sole priority and the user is willing to sacrifice more than double the multi-core performance to achieve it.

The Verdict

The data is conclusive: choose the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X for any workload where benchmark performance matters. It wins both Cinebench R15 tests, with a 115.6% advantage in multi-core and a 54% advantage in single-core. The Ryzen's 8-core, 16-thread configuration delivers 1537 points in multi-core rendering, a score that dwarfs the Xeon's 713. For video editors, 3D artists, software developers compiling code, or anyone running virtual machines, the Ryzen is the superior part by a wide margin.

The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 is only defensible in a strictly power-constrained build. Its 80-watt TDP is lower than the Ryzen's 95 watts, and it offers ECC memory support, which may be relevant for certain server or workstation reliability requirements. However, the Xeon is end-of-life, has half the cores and threads, and loses decisively in both recorded benchmarks. The Xeon's average benchmark score of 2048 is actually lower than the Ryzen's 2094, placing it in the same 46th percentile but with a lower absolute score.

Pick the Ryzen 7 1700X if you want the best performance in the database's recorded tests. Pick the Xeon E3-1270 v5 only if you are locked into an Intel Socket 1151 platform, require its specific ECC implementation, and can accept a processor that is more than twice as slow in multi-core rendering. The Ryzen's unlocked multiplier offers additional headroom for tuning, while the Xeon's multiplier is locked. The verdict from the data is that the Ryzen 7 1700X is the outright performance winner, and the Xeon is a niche choice for legacy platform or power-sensitive scenarios.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is dramatically faster. It scores 1537 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, while the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 scores 713, giving AMD a 115.6% lead.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon have a higher clock speed?

A: Yes. The Xeon E3-1270 v5 has a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. The Ryzen 7 1700X has a base of 3.40 GHz and a boost of 3.80 GHz. Despite this, the Ryzen still wins the single-core benchmark.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 has a TDP of 80 watts. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has a TDP of 95 watts. The Xeon is rated for lower power draw.

Q: Are these processors still in production?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has an active production status. The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 is listed as end-of-life.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has an average benchmark score of 2094. The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 has an average of 2048. Both sit in the 46th percentile of all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is built on the Zen architecture, codenamed Summit Ridge, using a 14 nm process node from GlobalFoundries. It integrates 4,800 million transistors on a die size of 213 mm². The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 uses the Skylake architecture, codenamed Skylake-DT, also on a 14 nm process but from Intel's own fabs, with 1,750 million transistors on a 122 mm² die. The Ryzen's larger die and transistor count reflect its 8-core design versus the Xeon's 4-core design.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Ryzen 7 1700X has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E3-1270 v5 has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen offers double the L3 cache and larger per-core L1 and L2 caches, which contributes to its benchmark advantage. Both processors support ECC memory, but the Ryzen supports DDR4 only, while the Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4. Memory bandwidth is higher on the Ryzen at 42.7 GB/s versus the Xeon's 34.1 GB/s, though both use a dual-channel bus.

The Ryzen 7 1700X has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 has a locked multiplier. The Ryzen also uses the AMD Socket AM4, whereas the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151. The Xeon is classified as a Server/Workstation part, while the Ryzen is a Desktop part, despite both having ECC support and similar PCIe Gen 3, 16 lane configurations. The Xeon lacks integrated graphics, as does the Ryzen, so neither offers an iGPU.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in core count: the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has 8 cores, while the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 has 4 cores. Thread counts differ correspondingly at 16 versus 8. Base clocks differ slightly: the Ryzen runs at 3.40 GHz, the Xeon at 3.60 GHz. Boost clocks are 3.80 GHz for the Ryzen and 4.00 GHz for the Xeon. TDP is lower on the Xeon at 80 watts versus the Ryzen's 95 watts. The sockets are different: AMD Socket AM4 versus Intel Socket 1151. The Ryzen's L3 cache is 16 MB shared, while the Xeon's is 8 MB shared. Memory support differs: the Ryzen supports DDR4 only, the Xeon supports DDR3 and DDR4. Memory bandwidth is higher on the Ryzen at 42.7 GB/s versus 34.1 GB/s. The Ryzen has an unlocked multiplier; the Xeon's is locked. The Ryzen has a launch MSRP of $399, while the Xeon has a launch MSRP of $339. Release dates differ, with the Xeon launching in 2015 and the Ryzen in 2017.