Which is better for gaming?

The Ryzen 5 3600XT. It has 12 threads, a 4.5 GHz boost and works with modern DDR4 and a discrete GPU. The Xeon is a server chip on a dead socket and is not a practical gaming choice.

Will the Xeon fit my AM4 motherboard?

No. The Xeon uses LGA1366 and the Ryzen uses AM4. They are not interchangeable and need completely different boards and memory.

Does either include a cooler?

The boxed Ryzen 5 3600XT includes an AMD Wraith Stealth cooler. The HPE Xeon is a processor only and needs a separate LGA1366 heatsink.

The Ryzen is the safer long-term buy because AM4 boards, DDR4 RAM and coolers are still widely sold. LGA1366 replacement parts are increasingly hard to find.

Is the Ryzen worth extra over the Xeon?

For a desktop, yes. The Xeon only makes sense as a cheap repair part for a machine you already own. Check both live prices before deciding.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT vs HPE 638021-B21 Xeon 6-Core Processor

Buy the Ryzen 5 3600XT for a desktop PC build; the HPE Xeon is a server part for old LGA1366 machines and will not fit a consumer motherboard. The Ryzen is a current-retail AM4 chip with an included cooler, while the Xeon is a decade-old enterprise processor sold as a replacement part. Compare live prices across stores before buying, since both are often listed at inflated or clearance prices.

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