Ryzen 3 1200 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2

AMD

Ryzen 3 1200

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1245 v2

4 Cores8 Thrd77 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Ryzen 3 1200 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Ryzen 3 1200 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 3 1200 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 3 1200

2017

Why buy it

  • +32% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Costs $164 less on MSRP ($109 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
  • Delivers 152.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 58.8 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($109 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1245 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1245 v2, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1245 v2 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1245 v2

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4000, while Ryzen 3 1200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,273 vs 3,000).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.3 vs 58.8 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $109 MSRP).
  • 18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 3 1200.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 3 1200 better than Xeon E3-1245 v2?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 3 1200 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 3 1200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 32% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 3 1200 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 3 1200 comes in $164 cheaper on MSRP at $109 MSRP versus $273 MSRP, and it still gives you 32% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1245 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 152.4% better value on MSRP (58.8 vs 23.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 3 1200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 3 1200 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen 3 1200

The Ryzen 3 1200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,407 points. Launch price was $109.

Intel

Xeon E3-1245 v2

The Xeon E3-1245 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,357 points. Launch price was $462.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 3 1200 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Ryzen 3 1200 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Ryzen 3 1200 uses the Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 3 1200 scores 6,407 against the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 6,357 — a 0.8% lead for the Ryzen 3 1200. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,000 vs 659, a 41.1% lead for the Ryzen 3 1200 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,000 vs 2,273 (27.6% advantage for the Ryzen 3 1200). Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureRyzen 3 1200Xeon E3-1245 v2
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.4 GHz+10%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
6,407
6,357
Cinebench R23 Multi
3,013
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000+52%
659
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,000+32%
2,273
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 3 1200 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen 3 1200 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — the Ryzen 3 1200 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 3 1200 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 3 1200) vs 16 (Xeon E3-1245 v2) — the Ryzen 3 1200 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470 (Ryzen 3 1200) and Intel C202,Intel C204,Intel C206,Intel C216 (Xeon E3-1245 v2).

FeatureRyzen 3 1200Xeon E3-1245 v2
Socket
AM4
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+67%
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24+50%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 3 1200 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 3 1200) vs Yes (Xeon E3-1245 v2). The Xeon E3-1245 v2 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4000), while the Ryzen 3 1200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 3 1200 targets Budget, Xeon E3-1245 v2 targets Server.

FeatureRyzen 3 1200Xeon E3-1245 v2
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics P4000
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Yes
Target Use
Budget
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 3 1200 was priced at $109, while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($109 vs $273), Ryzen 3 1200 was $164 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 3 1200 delivers 58.8 pts/$ vs 23.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — making the Ryzen 3 1200 the 86.5% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 3 1200Xeon E3-1245 v2
MSRP
$109-60%
$273
Performance per Dollar
58.8+152%
23.3
Release Date
2017
2012

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