AMD Ryzen 7 2700E vs Intel Xeon W-2135 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700E and Intel Xeon W-2135 are two processors that occupy different market segments but end up with similar benchmark results. The recorded data shows a consistent, if narrow, lead for the AMD across all six Cinebench tests. This comparison breaks down the numbers, architecture, and use cases to help decide which one fits a given build.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen 7 2700E wins every single test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 1255 against 1230 for the Intel, a 2% advantage. The single-core test shows a 2.3% lead for the AMD, 177 to 173. Moving to R20, the AMD leads by 2.1% in both multi-core (5232 vs 5126) and single-core (738 vs 723). The R23 results follow the same pattern: 12458 vs 12205 (2.1%) and 1758 vs 1723 (2%).

The margins are small, ranging from 2% to 2.3%, but they are consistent across all six tests. This means the two CPUs are very close in raw Cinebench performance, with the AMD holding a slight edge in every workload. The Intel's higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz does not translate into a single-core win, as the AMD's 4.00 GHz boost still produces higher scores. The average benchmark scores reinforce this: the AMD sits at 3603, the Intel at 3530. Both CPUs land at the 55th percentile of all processors in the database, indicating they are comparable in overall performance.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs are built on different process nodes: the AMD uses a 12 nm process from GlobalFoundries, while the Intel uses a 14 nm process from Intel. The AMD die size is 192 mm², the Intel is 484 mm². The AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads, the Intel has 6 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks are 2.80 GHz for the AMD and 3.70 GHz for the Intel, with boost clocks of 4.00 GHz and 4.50 GHz respectively. TDP differs significantly: 65 W for the AMD, 140 W for the Intel.

Cache layouts also differ. The AMD has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The Intel has 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 8.25 MB of shared L3. Both support DDR4 memory, but the AMD uses a dual-channel bus, while the Intel uses quad-channel. The Intel lists a memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s; the AMD does not list a bandwidth figure. The Intel supports ECC memory, the AMD does not. The Intel also provides PCIe Gen 3 with 48 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD's PCIe configuration is not recorded.

Other differences include socket and market positioning. The AMD is on Socket AM4, the Intel on Socket 2066. The AMD is a desktop part, the Intel is a server/workstation part. The AMD is still in production, the Intel is end-of-life. The Intel had a launch MSRP of $835. Release dates are 2018-09-18 for the AMD and 2017-08-28 for the Intel.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700E wins every head-to-head test. It leads in both single-core and multi-core across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. The largest margin is 2.3% in R15 single-core, the smallest is 2% in R15 multi-core and R23 single-core. This means the AMD is the better performer for any workload that relies on Cinebench scores, which are representative of rendering and general CPU compute tasks.

However, the Intel Xeon W-2135 has features that may matter in specific workstation environments. It supports ECC memory, which is important for error correction in long-running computations. Its quad-channel memory bus with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth can be an advantage for memory-intensive applications, though the AMD's dual-channel setup is not quantified. The Intel also offers 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which can be useful for multiple GPUs or high-speed storage. The AMD does not list PCIe lanes in the database.

The AMD's lower TDP of 65 W versus 140 W makes it more power-efficient, which can reduce cooling requirements and operating costs. The AMD also has more cores and threads, which helps in multi-threaded workloads, even though the benchmark lead is small. For a typical desktop build, the AMD's combination of performance, efficiency, and active production status makes it the more practical choice. The Intel's workstation-specific features are valuable only if ECC, quad-channel memory, or high lane count are hard requirements.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher Cinebench R23 multi-core score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700E scores 12458, while the Intel Xeon W-2135 scores 12205, a 2.1% difference.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon W-2135 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel supports ECC memory. The AMD does not.

Q: What is the memory bus width for each CPU?

A: The AMD uses dual-channel memory, the Intel uses quad-channel. The Intel also lists a memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s.

Q: How many cores and threads does each CPU have?

A: The AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the TDP of each CPU?

A: The AMD has a TDP of 65 W, the Intel has a TDP of 140 W.

Q: Which CPU is still in production?

A: The AMD is active, the Intel is end-of-life.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is clear: the AMD Ryzen 7 2700E outperforms the Intel Xeon W-2135 in every recorded Cinebench test. The margins are small, but they are consistent across all six tests. The AMD also offers more cores, lower power consumption, and is still in production. The Intel's advantages are ECC support, quad-channel memory, and a higher number of PCIe lanes, but these do not translate into higher Cinebench scores. For most users, the AMD is the better choice. For a workstation that requires ECC and high memory bandwidth, the Intel has a specific role, but its performance deficit and end-of-life status make it a less compelling option. The data shows a narrow but decisive win for the AMD.

Specification Differences

| Feature | AMD Ryzen 7 2700E | Intel Xeon W-2135 |

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

| Cores | 8 | 6 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.80 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 140 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Zen | Skylake |

| Codename | Zen | Skylake-W |

| Generation | Ryzen 7 (Zen+ Pinnacle Ridge) | Xeon W (Skylake-W) |

| Process Node | 12 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Die Size | 192 mm² | 484 mm² |

| 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 | Not recorded | 85.3 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Not recorded | Gen 3, 48 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

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

| Release Date | 2018-09-18 | 2017-08-28 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $835 |