Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Xeon E5-1607 v2

AMD

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-1607 v2

4 Cores4 Thrd130 WWMax: 3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Xeon E5-1607 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 Embedded R1606G vs Xeon E5-1607 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 Embedded R1606G vs Xeon E5-1607 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 Embedded R1606G

2019

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 15W instead of 130W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1607 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1607 v2, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5-1607 v2

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,141 vs 4,162).
  • Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Ryzen Embedded R1606G mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 766.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Embedded R1606G better than Xeon E5-1607 v2?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1607 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen Embedded R1606G 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, Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Embedded R1606G is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-1607 v2 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Embedded R1606G comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1607 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-1607 v2 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Embedded R1606G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Xeon E5-1607 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

The Ryzen Embedded R1606G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,162 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5-1607 v2

The Xeon E5-1607 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,141 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Embedded R1606G packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-1607 v2 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-1607 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-1607 v2 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Embedded R1606G (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the Zen (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1607 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Embedded R1606G scores 4,162 against the Xeon E5-1607 v2's 4,141 — a 0.5% lead for the Ryzen Embedded R1606G. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1607 v2.

FeatureRyzen Embedded R1606GXeon E5-1607 v2
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+17%
3 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
10 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Zen (2017−2020)
Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark
4,162
4,141
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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1607 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureRyzen Embedded R1606GXeon E5-1607 v2
Socket
FP5
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Embedded R1606G was priced at $0, while the Xeon E5-1607 v2 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($0 vs $250), Ryzen Embedded R1606G was $250 cheaper.

FeatureRyzen Embedded R1606GXeon E5-1607 v2
MSRP
$0-100%
$250
Performance per Dollar
16.6
Release Date
2019
2013

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