AMD Ryzen 7 1800X vs Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 and the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X represent two very different approaches to eight-core computing: one is a server/workstation part built on a mature 22 nm Haswell design, the other a desktop-focused Zen architecture on 14 nm. Both chips deliver 8 cores and 16 threads, but the benchmark data reveals a split personality depending on the workload generation. The Xeon wins the newer Cinebench R23 tests decisively, while the Ryzen dominates the older R15 tests, making the choice between them entirely dependent on which software generation you prioritize.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result in the data is the complete reversal of fortune between the two Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X scores 1618 against the Xeon's 1074, giving AMD a massive 33.6% advantage. That is not a marginal win; it is a generation-defining lead. The Ryzen's higher 3.60 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost clocks clearly paid off in this older test, which was less sensitive to memory bandwidth and cache architecture. The single-core R15 result follows the same pattern, with the Ryzen scoring 160.8 versus the Xeon's 151, a 6.1% lead for AMD.

Now look at Cinebench R23, the more modern workload. The tables turn completely. The Xeon E5-1660 v3 scores 10656 in multicore, beating the Ryzen's 8891 by 19.9%. That is a substantial reversal. In R23 single-core, the Xeon extends its lead to 60.2%, scoring 1504 against the Ryzen's 939. The Xeon's 20 MB of shared L3 cache versus the Ryzen's 16 MB, combined with its quad-channel memory bus delivering 68.3 GB/s versus the Ryzen's dual-channel 42.7 GB/s, likely explains why the newer test favors Intel so heavily. The R23 test is more memory-latency sensitive, and the Xeon's platform advantages become decisive there.

The overall average benchmark scores are remarkably close: the Xeon averages 3082, the Ryzen averages 3068, a delta of just 0.4% in the Xeon's favor. Both sit at the 52nd percentile among all CPUs, meaning they are statistically equivalent in aggregate performance. The nearest rivals list confirms this: the Xeon's closest competitor is the Intel Core i7-6850K at 3079 (0.1% delta), while the Ryzen's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 7 4980U at 3066 (0.1% delta). Neither chip has a clear overall performance edge; the winner depends entirely on which benchmark generation you trust.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X wins decisively in older, legacy benchmarks. If your software stack is built around Cinebench R15 or similar pre-2020 workloads, the Ryzen delivers a 33.6% multicore advantage and a 6.1% single-core advantage. This makes it the safer pick for users running legacy production pipelines, older 3D rendering plugins, or any application that has not been updated to leverage newer instruction sets and memory access patterns. The Ryzen also has a 95 W TDP versus the Xeon's 140 W, meaning it will run cooler and draw less power under sustained load, which is relevant for compact builds or environments with strict thermal limits.

The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 wins in modern Cinebench R23 workloads. The 19.9% multicore lead and the staggering 60.2% single-core lead make it the clear choice for current-generation rendering, simulation, and single-threaded productivity tasks. The Xeon's quad-channel memory bus and 68.3 GB/s bandwidth are significant assets for memory-intensive modern workloads. Additionally, the Xeon supports ECC memory, which the Ryzen also supports, but the Xeon's 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only) versus the Ryzen's 16 lanes give the Intel part a major expansion advantage for workstation users running multiple GPUs, NVMe drives, or high-speed capture cards. The Xeon is also unlocked, so overclocking can further extend its R23 lead.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split decision. If your primary applications are modern — anything that resembles Cinebench R23 — the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 is the superior choice, offering a 19.9% multicore and 60.2% single-core advantage. The Xeon's quad-channel memory and 40 PCIe lanes make it the better foundation for a serious workstation. Users running current 3D rendering packages, video encoding, or heavy multitasking should pick Intel.

If your workloads are older, or if you are building a system around legacy software that resembles Cinebench R15, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X wins by a 33.6% margin in multicore. The Ryzen also offers a 95 W TDP, lower power draw, and a 4.00 GHz boost clock, making it more efficient and easier to cool. For a desktop PC running older games, legacy productivity suites, or any software that predates the R23 benchmark era, the Ryzen is the better value. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical (3082 vs 3068), so neither chip is a bad buy; the choice hinges entirely on software generation. The Xeon is end-of-life, while the Ryzen remains active, which may matter for long-term platform support.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R15 multicore?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X scores 1618, which is 33.6% higher than the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3's 1074.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 beat the Ryzen 7 1800X in any benchmark?

A: Yes, in Cinebench R23. The Xeon scores 10656 in multicore (19.9% ahead) and 1504 in single-core (60.2% ahead).

Q: Which CPU has higher clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X has a 3.60 GHz base clock and 4.00 GHz boost clock, while the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 has a 3.00 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 supports quad-channel memory with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X supports dual-channel memory with 42.7 GB/s.

Q: Are both CPUs unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 and the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X have unlocked multipliers.

Q: Which CPU has more PCIe lanes?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only).

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 uses the Haswell architecture on Intel's 22 nm process, with a die size of 356 mm² and 2,600 million transistors. It is built for the server/workstation market, evidenced by its Intel Socket 2011-3 platform, quad-channel memory controller, and 40 PCIe lanes. The Xeon has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with a large 20 MB shared L3 cache. It supports ECC memory and has a TDP of 140 W.

The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X uses the Zen architecture on GlobalFoundries' 14 nm process, packing 4,800 million transistors into a much smaller 213 mm² die. It targets the desktop segment with AMD Socket AM4, dual-channel memory, and 16 PCIe lanes. The Ryzen has larger per-core caches (96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2) but a smaller 16 MB L3 cache. It also supports ECC memory, has a lower 95 W TDP, and a higher 4.00 GHz boost clock. The Ryzen uses a completely different memory subsystem, which explains its performance characteristics in different benchmark generations. The Xeon's larger L3 cache and quad-channel bandwidth give it an edge in modern memory-heavy workloads, while the Ryzen's higher clocks and newer process node help in older, less memory-sensitive tests.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between the two processors are clear. The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 has a 3.00 GHz base clock and 3.50 GHz boost clock, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X runs at 3.60 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost. The Xeon has a 140 W TDP versus the Ryzen's 95 W. The Xeon uses Intel Socket 2011-3, while the Ryzen uses AMD Socket AM4. The Xeon features quad-channel memory with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth; the Ryzen has dual-channel with 42.7 GB/s. The Xeon provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes; the Ryzen provides 16. The Xeon is built on 22 nm with a 356 mm² die and 2,600 million transistors; the Ryzen uses 14 nm with a 213 mm² die and 4,800 million transistors. The Xeon has 20 MB shared L3 cache, the Ryzen has 16 MB. The Xeon's release date is September 2014, while the Ryzen launched in March 2017. The Ryzen's launch MSRP is $499. The Xeon is end-of-life, while the Ryzen remains active. Both have unlocked multipliers, support ECC memory, and lack integrated graphics. The Xeon has part number SR20N, the Ryzen has YD180XBCAEWOF.