Ryzen 3 3300U vs Xeon D-1521

AMD

Ryzen 3 3300U

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2019
Ryzen family
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon D-1521

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······

Ryzen 3 3300U vs Xeon D-1521 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 3300U vs Xeon D-1521 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 3300U vs Xeon D-1521: 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 3300U

2019

Why buy it

  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB).
  • Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1521 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,686 vs 5,703).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1521, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon D-1521

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +15.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Ryzen 3 3300U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1521 better than Ryzen 3 3300U?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1521 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 3 3300U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon D-1521 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1521 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon D-1521 is the better buy right now. Xeon D-1521 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 3300U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 3 3300U vs Xeon D-1521 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 3 3300U

The Ryzen 3 3300U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,686 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon D-1521

The Xeon D-1521 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,703 points. Launch price was $199.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 3 3300U packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon D-1521's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen 3 3300U versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 — a 25.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 3300U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Ryzen 3 3300U uses the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture (12 nm), while the Xeon D-1521 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 3 3300U scores 5,686 against the Xeon D-1521's 5,703 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon D-1521. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 3300U vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521.

FeatureRyzen 3 3300UXeon D-1521
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+30%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.4 GHz+14%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)+167%
1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
12 nm-14%
14 nm
Architecture
Picasso (2019−2022)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
5,686
5,703
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 3 3300U uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1521 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureRyzen 3 3300UXeon D-1521
Socket
FP5
FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0