AMD Ryzen 7 1700X vs Intel Xeon W-2123 Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a clear split between these two processors, but the conclusion depends entirely on what the workload demands. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X wins both head-to-head benchmark comparisons by substantial margins, making it the stronger choice for multi-threaded and single-threaded performance in the tested applications. The Intel Xeon W-2123, while offering a different platform feature set, trails significantly in raw compute scores. For users prioritizing benchmark performance in Cinebench, the Ryzen 7 1700X is the definitive pick. The Xeon W-2123, however, is the only option for those who require the specific platform characteristics of a workstation Xeon, such as extensive PCIe lane count, despite its lower performance scores. Neither processor holds a performance advantage over the other in the data; the AMD part wins every measured test.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two CPUs is fundamental. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is built on the Zen architecture and is part of the Ryzen 7 generation (Summit Ridge). It is manufactured on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries, with a die size of 213 mm² and a transistor count of 4,800 million. The Intel Xeon W-2123 uses the Skylake architecture, specifically Skylake-W, and is fabricated by Intel on its own 14 nm process, with a significantly larger die size of 484 mm². The AMD part is a desktop segment processor with an active production status, while the Intel part is a server/workstation segment processor that is end-of-life.

Core and thread configurations differ sharply. The Ryzen 7 1700X offers 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon W-2123 provides only 4 cores and 8 threads. This doubling of core count is a primary driver of the performance gap. The cache hierarchies also diverge. The AMD processor features a larger L1 cache at 96 KB per core and a smaller L2 cache at 512 KB per core, combined with a 16 MB shared L3 cache. The Intel processor has a smaller L1 cache at 64 KB per core but a larger L2 cache at 1 MB per core, and a much smaller 8.25 MB shared L3 cache.

Memory support presents another key distinction. Both support DDR4 memory and ECC memory. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X uses a dual-channel memory bus with a theoretical bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the Intel Xeon W-2123 uses a quad-channel bus with a theoretical bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s. The Xeon also offers significantly more PCIe connectivity with 48 lanes (Gen 3, CPU only) compared to the Ryzen's 16 lanes (Gen 3, CPU only). The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Intel part is locked.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is overwhelmingly in favor of the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the AMD processor scores 1537, while the Intel Xeon W-2123 scores 724. This represents a delta of 112.3%, meaning the AMD part is more than twice as fast in this multi-threaded workload. This result is directly attributable to the AMD processor's 8 cores and 16 threads versus the Intel's 4 cores and 8 threads.

The single-core results tell a similar, albeit less dramatic, story. In the Cinebench R15 single-core test, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X scores 154, and the Intel Xeon W-2123 scores 102. The delta here is 51%, with the AMD part taking the win. While the base and boost clocks of the Intel part are slightly higher (3.60 GHz and 3.90 GHz vs. 3.40 GHz and 3.80 GHz for AMD), the AMD architecture still manages to outpace it in this test.

It is important to note that the benchmark suites available in the data are not identical for both processors. The AMD part has Geekbench multi-core and single-core scores of 5584 and 1100, respectively. The Intel part does not have Geekbench scores in the data, but it has additional Cinebench R20 and R23 results. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score for the Xeon W-2123 is 3019, and its single-core score is 425. In Cinebench R23, it scores 7189 multi-core and 1014 single-core. Without comparable AMD scores for these tests, a direct head-to-head comparison is not possible for those specific benchmarks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R15 multi-core?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is significantly faster, scoring 1537 compared to the Intel Xeon W-2123's 724, which is a 112.3% performance delta.

Q: How do the two processors compare in single-core performance?

A: In the Cinebench R15 single-core test, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X wins with a score of 154 versus 102 for the Intel Xeon W-2123, a 51% advantage.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each CPU?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Xeon W-2123 has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2123 has a higher theoretical memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s due to its quad-channel memory bus, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has 42.7 GB/s from its dual-channel bus.

Q: Is there a difference in PCIe lane availability?

A: Yes, the Intel Xeon W-2123 offers 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), which is three times more than the 16 lanes available on the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X has an average benchmark score of 2094, while the Intel Xeon W-2123 has an average score of 2079. Both are at the 46th percentile among all CPUs.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X wins in every category where both were tested. Its 112.3% lead in multi-core Cinebench R15 makes it the obvious choice for heavily threaded applications like video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation that scale with core count. Its 51% lead in single-core Cinebench R15 also makes it the better option for lightly threaded tasks such as general office work, web browsing, and legacy applications that rely on single-core speed.

The Intel Xeon W-2123 does not win any benchmark test in the data. However, its platform characteristics suggest its strengths lie outside the measured performance. The quad-channel memory bus, providing 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth, is an advantage for memory-intensive workloads that are not captured in the Cinebench tests. The 48 PCIe lanes make it suitable for systems with multiple high-bandwidth expansion cards, such as professional GPUs, NVMe storage arrays, or network cards. The Xeon's workstation market segment and ECC memory support also target a different use case focused on stability and data integrity in professional environments. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700X also supports ECC memory, but its desktop segment classification and fewer PCIe lanes point toward a general consumer or prosumer desktop role.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 7 1700X | Intel Xeon W-2123 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 8 | 4 |

| Threads | 16 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 120 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Zen | Skylake |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 213 mm² | 484 mm² |

| Transistors | 4,800 million | Not specified |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 16 MB (shared) | 8.25 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | 85.3 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 48 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2017-03-01 | 2017-08-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $399 | $294 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | YD170XBCAEWOF | SR3LJ |