AMD Athlon 3000G vs Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4
Buy the Athlon 3000G for a cheap, low-power desktop build with working integrated graphics and a modern AM4 upgrade path. Buy the Xeon E5-2697 v4 only if you need 18 cores and 36 threads for rendering or virtualization and already have an LGA2011-3 board. The Athlon is a budget part; the Xeon is a used server chip, so check current prices at each store before deciding.
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AMD Athlon 3000G
AMD Athlon 3000G 2-Core 4-Thread AM4 Processor
Choose the Athlon 3000G if you want a simple, quiet, low-power PC for office work, browsing and 1080p video without a graphics card.
- Runs cool at 35 W and stays quiet
- Integrated Vega 3 graphics means no GPU purchase
- Unlocked for easy overclocking
- Cheap AM4 boards and DDR4 are widely available
What separates them
| AMD Athlon 3000G | Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores and threads | 2 cores, 4 threads | 18 cores, 36 threads |
| Clock speed | 3.5 GHz base, 3.8 GHz boost with overclock | 2.3 GHz base |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon Vega 3, 1080p output, no discrete card needed | None; a discrete GPU is required |
| Socket and platform | AM4, current boards and DDR4 | LGA2011-3, older server boards and DDR4 ECC |
| Thermal design power | 35 W | 145 W |
| Cache | Small L2/L3 cache suited to light tasks | 45 MB cache |
| Overclocking | Unlocked, supports overclocking | Locked multiplier |
Price history
- AMD Athlon 3000G: lowest $29.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
- Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4: lowest $356.00 on Nov 3 at Global One Technology.
Prices at every store
AMD Athlon 3000G
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
- NextWarehouse.comCheck price at NextWarehouse.com
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Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4
- CPU MedicsCheck price at CPU Medics
- directmacro.comCheck price at directmacro.com
- ServerSupply.comCheck price at ServerSupply.com
Specs compared
| Spec | AMD Athlon 3000G | Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | AM4 | Socket LGA2011-3 |
| Clock Speed | 3.5 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| Number Of Cores | 2 | 18-core |
| Motherboard Socket Type | AM4 | — |
| RAM Type | DDR4 | — |
| RAM Maximum Capacity | 16GB | — |
| RAM Speed | 2667 MHz | — |
| GPU Manufacturer | AMD | — |
| GPU Model | Radeon Vega 3 Graphics | — |
| GPU Series | Vega, Radeon | — |
| Manufacturer |
What reviewers say
AMD Athlon 3000G
Owners treat the Athlon 3000G as a capable low-cost chip for basic desktops and media PCs. They like the integrated graphics and low heat, but call out the two cores as a ceiling for heavier workloads.
- PerformanceMixedFine for office work and browsing, but two cores limit multitasking and heavier software.
- Integrated graphicsMixedVega 3 handles 1080p video and desktop use, but only light or older games.
- Power and heatPraisedThe 35 W TDP keeps temperatures and fan noise low, even with the stock cooler.
- OverclockingPraised
Questions and answers
- Which is better for gaming?
- The Athlon 3000G, because it has integrated Vega 3 graphics and needs no GPU to boot. The Xeon has no graphics at all, and its 2.3 GHz clock is poor for games even with a card.
- Which is better for video editing?
- The Xeon E5-2697 v4. Its 18 cores and 36 threads cut render and export times far below what a 2-core Athlon can do.
- Does the Xeon need a graphics card?
- Yes. The E5-2697 v4 has no integrated graphics, so you need a discrete GPU or a board with basic video output to get a display.
- Which uses less power?
- The Athlon 3000G at 35 W. The Xeon is rated around 145 W, so it needs a larger cooler and power supply.
- Can I upgrade the Athlon later?
- Yes. AM4 boards accept many newer Ryzen chips, so you can swap in a faster CPU without changing the motherboard.
- Is the Xeon worth it over the Athlon?
- Only for multithreaded work. For browsing, office apps and media, the Athlon is cheaper to build and run.
More comparisons
- AMD Athlon 3000G 2-Core 4-Thread AM4 Processor vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
- AMD Athlon 3000G 2-Core 4-Thread AM4 Processor vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX Processor
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7960X vs Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 Processor
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX Processor vs Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 Processor