Ryzen 5 1400 vs Xeon E3-1285 v4

AMD

Ryzen 5 1400

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1285 v4

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 1400 vs Xeon E3-1285 v4 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 5 1400 vs Xeon E3-1285 v4 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 5 1400 vs Xeon E3-1285 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Ryzen 5 1400

2017

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $387 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $556 MSRP).
  • Delivers 228.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.7 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($169 MSRP vs $556 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,731 vs 7,735).

Xeon E3-1285 v4

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.9 vs 45.7 PassMark/$ ($556 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
    • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon E3-1285 v4 better than Ryzen 5 1400?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1285 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 1400 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 E3-1285 v4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 E3-1285 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon E3-1285 v4 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1285 v4 comes in 229.0% more expensive on MSRP at $556 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 1400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 7,731 PassMark with 4 cores and 8 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Ryzen 5 1400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Ryzen 5 1400 vs Xeon E3-1285 v4 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Ryzen 5 1400

    The Ryzen 5 1400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 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: 7,731 points. Launch price was $169.

    Intel

    Xeon E3-1285 v4

    The Xeon E3-1285 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,735 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the Ryzen 5 1400 and Xeon E3-1285 v4 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1400 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1285 v4 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1285 v4 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen 5 1400 uses the Zen (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 uses Broadwell-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 1400 scores 7,731 against the Xeon E3-1285 v4's 7,735 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1285 v4. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1400 vs 6 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1285 v4.

    FeatureRyzen 5 1400Xeon E3-1285 v4
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 8
    4 / 8
    Boost Clock
    3.4 GHz
    3.8 GHz+12%
    Base Clock
    3.2 GHz
    3.5 GHz+9%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)+33%
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)+100%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Zen (2017−2020)
    Broadwell-DT (2015)
    PassMark
    7,731
    7,735
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Ryzen 5 1400 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureRyzen 5 1400Xeon E3-1285 v4
    Socket
    AM4
    LGA1150
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 5.0+67%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2666
    Max RAM Capacity
    64 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    24
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Ryzen 5 1400 was priced at $169, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 came in at $556. On launch pricing ($169 vs $556), Ryzen 5 1400 was $387 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 1400 delivers 45.7 pts/$ vs 13.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1285 v4 — making the Ryzen 5 1400 the 106.7% better value option.

    FeatureRyzen 5 1400Xeon E3-1285 v4
    MSRP
    $169-70%
    $556
    Performance per Dollar
    45.7+229%
    13.9
    Release Date
    2017
    2015

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