Ryzen 5 1600 vs Xeon W-10855M

AMD

Ryzen 5 1600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2017
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-10855M

6 Cores12 Thrd1.5 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2020
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 1600 vs Xeon W-10855M 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 1600 vs Xeon W-10855M 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 1600 vs Xeon W-10855M: 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 1600

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-10855M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 56.0 vs 103.8 PassMark/$ ($219 MSRP vs $118 MSRP).
  • 4233.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 1.5W.

Xeon W-10855M

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $101 less on MSRP ($118 MSRP vs $219 MSRP).
  • Delivers 85.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 103.8 vs 56.0 PassMark/$ ($118 MSRP vs $219 MSRP).
  • Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (12,249 vs 12,261).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-10855M better than Ryzen 5 1600?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-10855M makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 1600 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 5 1600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-10855M is the better buy right now. Xeon W-10855M comes in $101 cheaper on MSRP at $118 MSRP versus $219 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Ryzen 5 1600 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 85.4% better value on MSRP (103.8 vs 56.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-10855M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 5 1600 vs Xeon W-10855M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 5 1600

The Ryzen 5 1600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 16 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: 12,261 points. Launch price was $219.

Intel

Xeon W-10855M

The Xeon W-10855M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,249 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

Both the Ryzen 5 1600 and Xeon W-10855M share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1600 versus 4.9 GHz on the Xeon W-10855M — a 30.6% clock advantage for the Xeon W-10855M (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Ryzen 5 1600 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-10855M uses Comet Lake-H (2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 1600 scores 12,261 against the Xeon W-10855M's 12,249 — a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 1600. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1600 vs 12 MB on the Xeon W-10855M.

FeatureRyzen 5 1600Xeon W-10855M
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
4.9 GHz+36%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+14%
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)+33%
12 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+34033%
1.5 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Zen 2 (2017−2020)
Comet Lake-H (2020)
PassMark
12,261
12,249
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 1600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-10855M uses BGA1440 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureRyzen 5 1600Xeon W-10855M
Socket
AM4
BGA1440
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 1600 was priced at $219, while the Xeon W-10855M came in at $118. On launch pricing ($219 vs $118), Xeon W-10855M was $101 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 1600 delivers 56.0 pts/$ vs 103.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W-10855M — making the Xeon W-10855M the 59.9% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 1600Xeon W-10855M
MSRP
$219
$118-46%
Performance per Dollar
56.0
103.8+85%
Release Date
2017
2020

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