Ryzen 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v3

4 Cores4 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5600 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 5600

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +132.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Costs $25 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Delivers 355.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 84W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1225 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while Ryzen 5 5600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,000 vs 11,077).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • 29.2% higher power demand at 84W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v3 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 132.8% 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 453.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
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 $25 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 132.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 355.6% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), 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 2013), 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. 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 v3 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 v3

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600 scores 21,550 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 120.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 11,077 vs 2,000 (138.8% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,052 vs 1,108, a 59.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,600 vs 3,324 (88.5% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v3
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+50%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+22%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)+300%
8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
7 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (2020−2025)
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
21,550+305%
5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,077+454%
2,000
Geekbench 6 Single
2,052+85%
1,108
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,600+159%
3,324
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) vs 16 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600) and C226,B85,Q87,H81,Z87 (Xeon E3-1225 v3).

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v3
Socket
AM4
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+100%
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+300%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24+50%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop, Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v3
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 5600 was priced at $199, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($199 vs $224), Ryzen 5 5600 was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600 delivers 108.3 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 128% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Xeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP
$199-11%
$224
Performance per Dollar
108.3+355%
23.8
Release Date
2022
2013

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