Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs Xeon E3-1280 v2

Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs Xeon E3-1280 v2 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen Embedded V1605B

4 / 8

6,724

+1.6%

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Xeon E3-1280 v2

4 / 8

6,619

0.0%

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 V1605B vs Xeon E3-1280 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 V1605B vs Xeon E3-1280 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 V1605B

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $165 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Delivers 113.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.8 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 69W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1280 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,619 vs 6,724).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.0 vs 44.8 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌360% higher power demand at 69W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Embedded V1605B better than Xeon E3-1280 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1280 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen Embedded V1605B 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 V1605B is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Embedded V1605B is the better buy right now. Ryzen Embedded V1605B comes in $165 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $315 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1280 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 113.3% better value on MSRP (44.8 vs 21.0 PassMark/$), 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 V1605B 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 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs Xeon E3-1280 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Ryzen Embedded V1605B

The Ryzen Embedded V1605B 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 6,724 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1280 v2

The Xeon E3-1280 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,619 points. Launch price was $645.

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Processing Power

Both the Ryzen Embedded V1605B and Xeon E3-1280 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded V1605B versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1280 v2 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Embedded V1605B uses the Zen (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Embedded V1605B scores 6,724 against the Xeon E3-1280 v2's 6,619 — a 1.6% lead for the Ryzen Embedded V1605B. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v2.

Feature	Ryzen Embedded V1605B	Xeon E3-1280 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.6 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Zen (2017−2020)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,724+2%	6,619

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen Embedded V1605B uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Ryzen Embedded V1605B	Xeon E3-1280 v2
Socket	FP5	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen Embedded V1605B was priced at $150, while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 came in at $315. On launch pricing ($150 vs $315), Ryzen Embedded V1605B was $165 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Embedded V1605B delivers 44.8 pts/$ vs 21.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v2 — making the Ryzen Embedded V1605B the 72.3% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen Embedded V1605B	Xeon E3-1280 v2
MSRP	$150-52%	$315
Performance per Dollar	44.8+113%	21.0
Release Date	2018	2012

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