AMD Ryzen 3 3100 vs HPE 654420-B21 Xeon 6-Core
Buy the Ryzen 3 3100 for a home or gaming desktop. It is a current AM4 consumer chip with 8 threads, an included cooler and overclocking. The HPE part is a used-market server processor for LGA2011 boards, not a drop-in desktop CPU. No prices were given for either, so compare live store prices on this page before deciding.
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Choose the Ryzen 3 3100 if you are building or upgrading an AM4 desktop for everyday use, light gaming or office work.
- 8 threads handle multitasking better than 6 threads without SMT
- High 3.6 GHz base clock suits games and snappy desktop use
- Stock cooler included, so no extra cost
- Unlocked multiplier for free performance headroom
- Cheap DDR4 and AM4 boards are widely available
What separates them
| AMD Ryzen 3 3100 | HPE 654420-B21 Xeon 6-Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA2011 |
| Cores / threads | 4 cores, 8 threads | 6 cores, 6 threads (no hyper-threading stated) |
| Clock speed | 3.6 GHz base, 3.9 GHz boost | 2.0 GHz, no boost stated |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 3200 MHz, dual channel | DDR3 registered ECC on LGA2011 server boards |
| Integrated graphics | None; needs a discrete GPU | None; server boards use onboard video or none |
| Included cooler | Yes, stock air cooler | No cooler included |
| Overclocking | Unlocked, supports overclocking | Locked, no overclocking |
Price history
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100: lowest $135.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
- HPE 654420-B21 Xeon 6-Core: lowest $163.00 on Nov 3 at Global One Technology.
Prices at every store
AMD Ryzen 3 3100
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- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Megabyte ComputersCheck price at Megabyte Computers
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HPE 654420-B21 Xeon 6-Core
- Global One TechnologyCheck price at Global One Technology
Specs compared
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 3 3100 | HPE 654420-B21 Xeon 6-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | AM4 | Socket LGA2011 |
| Clock Speed | 3.6 GHz | 2 GHz |
| Number Of Cores | 4 | 6-core |
| RAM Type | DDR4 | — |
| RAM Speed | 3200MHz | — |
| Discrete Graphics | Yes | — |
| Integrated Graphics | No | — |
| Manufacturer | AMD | — |
| Boost Clock Speed | 3.9 GHz | — |
| Number Of Threads | 8 | — |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) |
What reviewers say
AMD Ryzen 3 3100
Owners treat the Ryzen 3 3100 as a solid entry-level chip that handles 1080p gaming and daily tasks well for the money. Most criticism centers on its four cores and the need for a separate graphics card.
- ValuePraisedBuyers say it delivers strong performance per dollar for budget builds.
- GamingPraisedOwners report smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU.
- Core countCriticisedReviewers note four cores limit heavy multitasking and streaming.
- GraphicsCriticised
Questions and answers
- Which is better for gaming?
- The Ryzen 3 3100. Its 3.6 GHz base and 3.9 GHz boost clocks beat the Xeon's 2.0 GHz, and games rarely use more than 4 to 6 threads. The Xeon also needs an old server board that usually lacks the PCIe slots and BIOS support gamers want.
- Can I put the HPE Xeon in a normal desktop?
- No. It uses Socket LGA2011, which is a different socket from AM4. You would need an LGA2011 server or workstation board and registered DDR3 memory.
- Does the Ryzen 3 3100 have integrated graphics?
- No. You need a discrete graphics card. The Xeon has no integrated graphics either.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Ryzen 3 3100 is the safer long-term buy. It is a 2020 consumer part with a standard warranty path, while the HPE Xeon is retired server hardware with no consumer warranty and scarce replacement boards.
- Is the Xeon worth it for a cheap 6-core build?
- Only if you already own an LGA2011 board and DDR3 ECC memory. Otherwise the board and memory cost more than the savings on the chip, and the 2.0 GHz clock is slow for desktop work.
- Do both need a separate CPU cooler?
- The Ryzen 3 3100 ships with a stock air cooler. The HPE Xeon does not include one, so you must supply an LGA2011-compatible cooler.