Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E3-1225 v3

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
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 7 3700X 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 7 3700X 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 7 3700X 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 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +169.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Delivers 186.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 84W, a 19W reduction.
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 46.9% HIGHER MSRP
    $329 MSRPvs$224 MSRP
  • 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

  • Costs $105 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while Ryzen 7 3700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,324 vs 22,430).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 29.2% higher power demand at 84W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X 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 7 3700X 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 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 169.8% 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 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 321.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 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 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in 46.9% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 169.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 186.8% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), 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 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013), 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

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 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 123.3% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon E3-1225 v3
Cores / Threads
8 / 16+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+22%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+12%
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB+300%
8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
22,430+321%
5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,108
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,324
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X 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 7 3700X versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 3700X 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 7 3700X) vs 16 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and C226,B85,Q87,H81,Z87 (Xeon E3-1225 v3).

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon 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

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the Ryzen 7 3700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon E3-1225 v3
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($329 vs $224), Xeon E3-1225 v3 was $105 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 96.6% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP
$329
$224-32%
Performance per Dollar
68.2+187%
23.8
Release Date
2019
2013

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