Ryzen 5 4600G vs Xeon E5-2690 v3

AMD

Ryzen 5 4600G

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2690 v3

12 Cores24 Thrd135 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 4600G vs Xeon E5-2690 v3 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 4600G vs Xeon E5-2690 v3 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 4600G vs Xeon E5-2690 v3: 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 4600G

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,936 less on MSRP ($154 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1253.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 103.8 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($154 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 135W, a 70W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Vega 7, while Xeon E5-2690 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (15,985 vs 16,027).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690 v3, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690 v3

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +275% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 66.7% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 4600G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 103.8 PassMark/$ ($2,090 MSRP vs $154 MSRP).
  • 107.7% higher power demand at 135W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 5 4600G can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 4600G.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 4600G better than Xeon E5-2690 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 4600G 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, Xeon E5-2690 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 275% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 4600G is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 4600G comes in $1,936 cheaper on MSRP at $154 MSRP versus $2,090 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2690 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 1253.6% better value on MSRP (103.8 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), 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 5 4600G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 5 4600G vs Xeon E5-2690 v3 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 5 4600G

The Ryzen 5 4600G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Renoir (2020−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 15,985 points. Launch price was $154.

Intel

Xeon E5-2690 v3

The Xeon E5-2690 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 16,027 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 4600G packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 v3 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 4600G versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 4600G (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 4600G uses the Renoir (2020−2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 4600G scores 15,985 against the Xeon E5-2690 v3's 16,027 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2690 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 4600G vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690 v3.

FeatureRyzen 5 4600GXeon E5-2690 v3
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+20%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+42%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
30 MB (total)+275%
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
7 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Renoir (2020−2023)
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
15,985
16,027
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,348
Geekbench 6 Single
1,578
Geekbench 6 Multi
6,619
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 4600G uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 4600G versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — the Ryzen 5 4600G supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 4600G) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v3). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 4600G) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v3) — the Xeon E5-2690 v3 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B450,X470,B550,X570,A520 (Ryzen 5 4600G) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v3).

FeatureRyzen 5 4600GXeon E5-2690 v3
Socket
AM4
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+50%
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
768 GB+500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
40+67%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 4600G) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v3). The Ryzen 5 4600G includes integrated graphics (Radeon Vega 7), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 4600G targets Entry Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 4600G rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureRyzen 5 4600GXeon E5-2690 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon Vega 7
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Entry Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 4600G was priced at $154, while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 came in at $2090. On launch pricing ($154 vs $2090), Ryzen 5 4600G was $1936 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 4600G delivers 103.8 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — making the Ryzen 5 4600G the 172.5% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 4600GXeon E5-2690 v3
MSRP
$154-93%
$2090
Performance per Dollar
103.8+1248%
7.7
Release Date
2020
2014

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