Ryzen Embedded V1202B vs Xeon E5-1603

AMD

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2018
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-1603

4 Cores4 Thrd130 WW2012
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Ryzen Embedded V1202B vs Xeon E5-1603 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 V1202B vs Xeon E5-1603 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 V1202B vs Xeon E5-1603: 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 V1202B

2018

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 130W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1603, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Xeon E5-1603 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-1603

2012

Why buy it

  • +400% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,482 vs 3,512).
  • 766.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Embedded V1202B better than Xeon E5-1603?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1603 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen Embedded V1202B 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 Embedded V1202B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 Embedded V1202B is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Embedded V1202B is the better buy right now. Ryzen Embedded V1202B comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (35.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Embedded V1202B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012) 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 V1202B vs Xeon E5-1603 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

The Ryzen Embedded V1202B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,512 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5-1603

The Xeon E5-1603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 3,482 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Ryzen Embedded V1202B packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-1603 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-1603 has 2 more cores. The Ryzen Embedded V1202B is built on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen Embedded V1202B scores 3,512 against the Xeon E5-1603's 3,482 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen Embedded V1202B. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded V1202B vs 10 MB on the Xeon E5-1603.

FeatureRyzen Embedded V1202BXeon E5-1603
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.8 GHz+22%
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
10 MB+400%
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark
3,512
3,482
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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Embedded V1202B uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1603 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureRyzen Embedded V1202BXeon E5-1603
Socket
FP5
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0