Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon W-2235

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2235

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon W-2235 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 W-2235 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 W-2235: 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: +37.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +287.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8.3 MB).
  • Costs $226 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $555 MSRP).
  • Delivers 165.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $555 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon W-2235

2019

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (14,235 vs 22,430).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 32 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.6 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($555 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
    • 100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Xeon W-2235?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2235 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 37.0% 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 57.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 287.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8.3 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 $226 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $555 MSRP, and it still gives you a 37.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 165.8% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 25.6 PassMark/$), 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 287.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8.3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon W-2235 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 W-2235

    The Xeon W-2235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 14,235 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Ryzen 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon W-2235 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-2235 — a 4.4% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2235 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X is built on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon W-2235's 14,235 — a 44.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon W-2235.

    FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon W-2235
    Cores / Threads
    8 / 16+33%
    6 / 12
    Boost Clock
    4.4 GHz
    4.6 GHz+5%
    Base Clock
    3.6 GHz
    3.8 GHz+6%
    L3 Cache
    32 MB+288%
    8.25 MB
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    Process
    7 nm, 12 nm-50%
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
    PassMark
    22,430+58%
    14,235
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-2235 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon W-2235
    Socket
    AM4
    LGA2066
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 4.0+33%
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    24
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Xeon W-2235 came in at $555. On launch pricing ($329 vs $555), Ryzen 7 3700X was $226 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2235 — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 90.7% better value option.

    FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon W-2235
    MSRP
    $329-41%
    $555
    Performance per Dollar
    68.2+166%
    25.6
    Release Date
    2019
    2019

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