AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs Intel Xeon D-1520 Comparison

The Intel Xeon D-1520 and AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B are both 4-core, 8-thread processors aimed at different embedded and workstation roles. The database records an average benchmark score of 1209 for the Intel part and 1196 for the AMD part, with both sitting at the 34th percentile of all CPUs. Their head-to-head results, however, show a split depending on the workload and Cinebench version.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data covers four Cinebench tests, and the winner is not consistent across them. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B scores 654 against the Intel Xeon D-1520's 421, a 35.6% lead for AMD. The single-core R15 test shows an even larger gap: AMD scores 128, Intel scores 59, a 53.9% advantage for AMD. Moving to Cinebench R23, the picture changes. In R23 single-core, AMD again wins with 841 versus Intel's 590, a 29.8% margin. But in R23 multicore, Intel takes the win with 4179 against AMD's 3160, a 32.2% lead for Intel. So AMD wins three of the four head-to-head tests, but Intel's single victory in R23 multicore is substantial.

These results are notable because the two Cinebench versions reward different aspects of the processors. The R15 tests favor the AMD part heavily, while the R23 multicore test flips the outcome. The database also lists a Cinebench R20 multicore score of 1755 and a single-core score of 247 for the Intel Xeon D-1520, but no corresponding R20 data exists for the AMD part, so no direct comparison is possible there. The average benchmark scores are close: Intel at 1209, AMD at 1196. Both processors sit at the 34th percentile, meaning they are roughly in the middle of the overall CPU distribution. Intel's nearest rivals include the Core i3-8121U with an identical average score of 1209, the Xeon D-1527 at 1207, and the Xeon E5645 and Core i3-7300T both at 1211. AMD's nearest rivals are the Opteron 3365 at 1194, the Athlon PRO 300U at 1193, the Core i3-4170 at 1193, and the Core i7-8665UE at 1193. These rival scores confirm that both processors are closely matched in overall performance, despite the divergent head-to-head results.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher single-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B scores 841, while the Intel Xeon D-1520 scores 590. AMD leads by 29.8% in this test.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1520 supports ECC memory, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B does not. This is a key differentiator for server or workstation use.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B includes Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics. The Intel Xeon D-1520 has no integrated graphics listed in the database.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B has a boost clock of 3.60, compared to the Intel Xeon D-1520's 2.60. AMD also has a higher base clock of 2000.00 versus Intel's 2.20.

Q: Which CPU has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1520 has a TDP of 45, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B has a TDP of 15. The AMD part consumes significantly less power.

Q: Which CPU has more transistors?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B has 4,950 million transistors, while the Intel Xeon D-1520 has 3,200 million. AMD also has a smaller die size at 210 mm² versus Intel's 246 mm².

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split in strengths. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B wins three of the four head-to-head Cinebench tests, including both single-core tests and the R15 multicore test. It also offers integrated graphics, a lower TDP of 15, and a higher boost clock of 3.60. The Intel Xeon D-1520, however, wins the R23 multicore test by a wide margin, supports ECC memory, and provides 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. For workloads that rely on the newer Cinebench R23 multicore metric, the Intel part is the stronger choice. For single-threaded tasks, older Cinebench R15 workloads, or scenarios where power consumption and integrated graphics matter, the AMD part is preferable. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical, so the decision should hinge on the specific application requirements: ECC and PCIe expansion favor Intel, while power efficiency and graphics favor AMD.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Intel Xeon D-1520 has a base clock of 2.20 and a boost clock of 2.60, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B has a base clock of 2000.00 and a boost clock of 3.60. TDP is 45 for Intel and 15 for AMD. The socket is Intel BGA 1667 for the Xeon and AMD Socket FP5 for the Ryzen. Memory support differs: Intel supports DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD supports only DDR4. Both are dual-channel. ECC memory is supported on Intel but not on AMD. The Intel part has PCIe Gen 3 with 24 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD part has no PCIe information listed. Integrated graphics are absent on Intel but present on AMD as Radeon Vega 8. The market segment is Server/Workstation for Intel and Desktop for AMD. The release date is 2015-03-08 for Intel and 2018-02-20 for AMD. The Intel Xeon D-1520 has a launch MSRP of $199. The Intel part number is SR29B; the AMD part number is not listed. Both processors have locked multipliers.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split is significant. The Intel Xeon D-1520 is built on the Broadwell architecture, specifically the Broadwell-DE generation, using a 14 nm process from Intel. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B uses the Zen architecture, from the Ryzen Embedded (Zen (Great Horned Owl)) generation, also on a 14 nm process but fabricated by GlobalFoundries. Transistor counts differ: Intel has 3,200 million, AMD has 4,950 million. Die size is 246 mm² for Intel and 210 mm² for AMD. Cache layouts are different as well. Intel provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 1.5 MB of L3 per core. AMD provides 128 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 2 MB of shared L3. This means Intel's L3 is per-core, while AMD's is shared across the chip. The memory controller supports DDR3 and DDR4 on Intel, but only DDR4 on AMD. ECC is present on Intel, absent on AMD. The integrated graphics on AMD (Radeon Vega 8) is a major architectural difference, as Intel has no integrated graphics listed. The PCIe implementation also differs: Intel has 24 Gen 3 lanes, while AMD has no PCIe data in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark wins and specification differences point to distinct use cases. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B wins in single-core performance across both R15 and R23, and also wins the R15 multicore test. Its higher boost clock of 3.60 and lower TDP of 15 make it suitable for power-constrained embedded systems that still need responsive single-threaded performance. The integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics allow it to handle display output without a separate GPU, which is valuable in compact designs. The Intel Xeon D-1520, on the other hand, wins the R23 multicore test by 32.2%, indicating stronger sustained multi-threaded performance in that newer benchmark. Its ECC support and 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes make it a better fit for server or workstation environments where memory reliability and expansion are priorities. The Intel part also supports DDR3 memory, which can be an advantage in legacy systems. The average benchmark scores are nearly equal, so the choice comes down to whether the workload favors the AMD's single-core and graphics capabilities or the Intel's ECC, PCIe, and R23 multicore strength.