Ryzen 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v2

Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +117.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike Xeon E3-1225 v2.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1225 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (6,015 vs 21,550).
    • 18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Xeon E3-1225 v2?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 5600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 5600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 117.7% 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, Ryzen 5 5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 258.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Ryzen 5 5600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 117.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 5 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2012). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Ryzen 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Ryzen 5 5600

    The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

    Intel

    Xeon E3-1225 v2

    The Xeon E3-1225 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 6,015 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Ryzen 5 5600 is built on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600 scores 21,550 against the Xeon E3-1225 v2's 6,015 — a 112.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600.

    FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v2
    Cores / Threads
    6 / 12
    Boost Clock
    4.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.5 GHz
    L3 Cache
    32 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    Process
    7 nm
    Architecture
    Vermeer (2020−2025)
    PassMark
    21,550+258%
    6,015
    Cinebench R23 Multi
    11,077
    Geekbench 6 Single
    2,052
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    8,600
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600) / not specified (Xeon E3-1225 v2). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop.

    FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v2
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Unlocked
    Yes
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Desktop