Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E5-2679 v4

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E5-2679 v4 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 / 16

22,430

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Xeon E5-2679 v4

20 / 40

24,131

+7.6%

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 E5-2679 v4 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 E5-2679 v4: 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: +22.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,373 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Delivers 663.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 200W, a 135W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,430 vs 24,131).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 50 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2679 v4, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2679 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+7.6% higher PassMark.
✅+56.3% larger total L3 cache (50 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 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 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($2,702 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌207.7% higher power demand at 200W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Xeon E5-2679 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2679 v4 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2679 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.6% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 56.3% larger total L3 cache (50 MB vs 32 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 $2,373 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $2,702 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2679 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 7.6% better PassMark. It is also 663.4% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E5-2679 v4 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-2679 v4

The Xeon E5-2679 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 50 MB. L2 cache: 5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 24,131 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon E5-2679 v4's 24,131 — a 7.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2679 v4. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 50 MB on the Xeon E5-2679 v4.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	20 / 40+150%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+33%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB	50 MB+56%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+10140%	5 MB
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	22,430	24,131+8%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	12,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses LGA2011-3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2679 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2679 v4). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2679 v4) — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and C612,X99 (Xeon E5-2679 v4).

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Socket	AM4	LGA2011-3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+33%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	40+67%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / Yes (Xeon E5-2679 v4).

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 came in at $2702. On launch pricing ($329 vs $2702), Ryzen 7 3700X was $2373 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 153.7% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon E5-2679 v4
MSRP	$329-88%	$2702
Performance per Dollar	68.2+666%	8.9
Release Date	2019	2016

Search Ryzen 7 3700X on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2679 v4 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.