In this article, we'll take a look at the differences between the AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 processors to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Updated: March 30, 2023 2:20 p.m
Jack Howarth
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Table of contents hide
The best deals on Intel CPUs
Intel i7-10700K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Why are Intel Core i7 processors better than i5 processors?
Overview of AMD Ryzen 5 processors
Overview of Intel i7 processors
Architecture
clock speeds
cache
Intel i7-10700K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
frequently asked Questions
Is Ryzen 5 faster than i7?
Is Ryzen 5 a good processor?
Last word
Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or an avid content creator, we're sure you've heard of itAMD and Intelsongoing rivalry! with newprocessorsEach year, the battle for the greatest market dominance seems never-ending.
With so manyCPUsand components are shared, not to mention how technically differentAMDAndIntelit is becoming increasingly difficult for even the most experienced PC builders to select the most suitable CPU for their needs.
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Core i9-13900K
Cores: P-Cores 8 / E-Cores 16 Threads: 32 Base Clock Speed: P-Cores 3 GHz / E-Cores 2.2 GHz Boost Clock Speed: P-Cores 5.8 GHz / E-Cores 4.3 GHz L3
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Intel i7-10700K
Advantages
Outstanding single-core performance
Unlocked overclocking
Disadvantages
Requires aftermarket cooler
Shop on Amazon
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Advantages
Set to surpass the performance of 10600K
Good value for money
Unlocked overclocking
Disadvantages
Slightly more expensive than what we're used to from AMD's mid-range offering
Requires CPU cooler
Shop on Amazon
Why are Intel Core i7 processors better than i5 processors?
The Intel Core i7 is generally considered to be more powerful than the Intel Core i5 as it has more advanced features and capabilities. Some of the key differences between the two processors are:
- More Cores and Threads: Intel Core i7 processors typically have more cores and threads than Intel Core i5 processors. This means that i7 processors can handle more tasks simultaneously and perform better on multi-threaded workloads like video rendering and data analysis.
- Higher Clock Speeds: Intel Core i7 processors also tend to have higher clock speeds than Intel Core i5 processors. A higher clock speed means the CPU can execute instructions faster and can result in better performance for clock-sensitive tasks.
- Larger Cache: Intel Core i7 processors also tend to have a larger cache than Intel Core i5 processors. This can result in faster access to frequently used data and improve performance for workloads that rely heavily on the cache.
- Hyper-Threading: Intel Core i7 processors also typically feature Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to process two threads simultaneously, effectively doubling the number of threads the CPU can handle. This can result in better performance for multi-threaded workloads.
- Overclocking: Intel Core i7 processors typically have an unlocked multiplier, meaning they can be overclocked to run at higher clock speeds. This can result in better performance for tasks that are clock sensitive.
It's important to note that these are general differences and there are some Intel Core i5 processors that share some of these features or even perform better than some Intel Core i7 processors in certain workloads or scenarios. Additionally, the price difference between Intel Core i7 and i5 processors is usually significant, so the decision on which processor to go for must also be balanced with the budget.
This is where we come in. Today we're going to look at two types of processors from these contrasting companies: the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i7. We'll break down each type of CPU and help you understand the differences so you can make the most informed choice.
Overview of AMD Ryzen 5 processors
In short, the AMD Ryzen 5 is a line of 12-threaded desktop processors that feature a 64-bit quad and 86 hexa-cores. Each chip in this series is based on the Zen architecture, AMD's third architectural design.
In general, AMD Ryzen 5 microprocessors contain either 4 cores, which can handle 8 threads simultaneously, or 6 cores, which can support 12 threads simultaneously. This makes quad-core Ryzen 5 processors the ideal choice for everyday, general computing use, with some of the faster processors even being good for gaming.
Overview of Intel i7 processors
First developed in 2008, the i7 processor is Intel's Core i7 line of CPUs and has seen 9 generations of cards since its initial release. Up until 2017, the Intel Core i7 was Intel's fastest line of processors until the release of the Intel Core i9. At the time of writing, the Intel i7 range has processors with up to 8 cores and a standard clock speed averaging around 3.6 GHz. This makes the Intel i7 range a favorite for gamers, PC developers and content creators.
Architecture
For the first specification, let's take a look at the architecture. All Ryzen 5 processors are based on the same Zen microarchitecture, an architecture specifically designed to reduce overall power consumption and improve clock speeds.
Because every Ryzen 5 processor is Zen-based, they're each manufactured via a 14nm FinFET process, which helps make the chip more efficient at executing instructions per cycle and consuming less power. SMT is also enabled, a process that allows each core to run two threads simultaneously, as well as an innovative SoC design that allows each chip to have greater overall bandwidth.
In contrast, all Intel i7 processors are based on Intel's Kaby Lake microarchitecture, a type of microarchitecture that uses a 14nm manufacturing process. This microarchitecture was designed to achieve faster than ever CPU clock speeds, better graphics, and higher Turbo Boost frequencies.
Additionally, the Intel i7 processors coupled with the Kaby Lake microarchitecture are also powered by Intel's Optane technology, which improves memory speeds and overall efficiency. This makes this processor range ideal for gaming in 4K, VR and all next-gen games.
clock speeds
The Intel i7 offers breakneck clock speeds averaging 3.6 GHz. However, the fastest in the lineup is the Gen Core i7-10700KF. Unlike other i7 processors, it has a base clock of 3.8GHz and can be overclocked to a whopping 5.1GHz, so it's easy to see why they're so popular with gamers!
In addition to lightning-fast clock speeds, Intel also offers Turbo Boost, an overclocking feature that Intel has used in its processors for many years. Turbo Boost allows some cores of the i7 chip to run faster than their base clock speeds when only one or two of the cores are needed. This is a really handy feature as processors can be more efficient when multitasking.
In contrast, the Ryzen 5 series is slightly slower than the Intel i7 processor. Thanks to the Zen architecture mentioned above, the Ryzen 5 processors include clock frequency improvements and reach speeds of 3.8 MHz to 4.4 MHz depending on the model.
cache
When it comes to processors, the bigger the cache, the better! Cache sizes are by no means a "make-or-break" trait, but it does help indicate how good the chip will be at multitasking efficiently. Core i7 processors have larger amounts of cache (which refers to the memory built into the card) which can help the processor handle large amounts of data and instructions without becoming overloaded.
AMD Ryzen 5 processors also feature larger cache sizes thanks to an all-new architecture to ensure your computer can handle your demands with ease. Paired with SMT, this makes AMD Ryzen processors a great choice for content creators or those who use their PCs frequently on a daily basis and want a processor to keep things running smoothly and quickly.
Intel i7-10700K
Advantages
Outstanding single-core performance
Unlocked overclocking
Disadvantages
Requires aftermarket cooler
Shop on Amazon
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Advantages
Set to surpass the performance of 10600K
Good value for money
Unlocked overclocking
Disadvantages
Slightly more expensive than what we're used to from AMD's mid-range offering
Requires CPU cooler
Shop on Amazon
frequently asked Questions
Is Ryzen 5 faster than i7?
Both Ryzen 5 and Intel i7 CPUs are incredibly powerful devices, but if you're looking for maximum speed, tiny load times, and buttery smooth gaming, the i7 processors have a slight advantage.
Intel's Gen Core i7-10700K, for example, has a base clock of 3.8GHz (0.2GHz faster than the ideal rate for gaming) and an impressive boosted clock speed of 5.1GHz.
So if you're something of an overclocker and like to push your processors to the max, an i7 is the choice for you.
With AMD's Zen architecture at the helm, Ryzen 5 processors also offer base clock speeds between 3.7 and 3.8 GHz, but unfortunately their boost clock speeds max out at 4.4 GHz.
Is Ryzen 5 a good processor?
Ryzen 5 processors are fantastic for both gaming and general computing. So if you're looking for an all-around CPU, they're a perfect choice.
Their 3.7-4.4GHz clock speeds are beyond the gaming sweet spot, delivering an immersive experience every time you sit down for a session of your favorite titles.
Additionally, they make their multithreaded cores some of the best multitasking in the world, which allows them to support CPU-heavy content creation workloads.
As if this insane versatility wasn't enough, Ryzen 5 CPUs also offer incredibly good value for money. So if you're trying to get more bang for your buck, they're a no-brainer!
Ultimately, if you enjoy seamless performance and like to challenge your machines with intensive parallelization workflows, a Ryzen 5 CPU is a sensible choice.
They're perfectly capable of supporting the latest games without sacrificing overall usability - perfect!
Last word
Ryzen 5 and Core i7 are both processors from AMD and Intel, respectively, that are aimed at the mid-to-high-end desktop computer market.
The main difference between the two is that the Ryzen 5 is based on the Zen architecture and uses more cores and threads, while the Core i7 is based on the older Skylake architecture and has fewer cores and threads. In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 may be better for tasks that can use a lot of cores and threads, such as B. video editing, 3D rendering and gaming, while the Core i7 might be slightly better for tasks that benefit from higher clock speeds and single-threaded performance, like gaming, video encoding and photo editing. The specific model of each processor also affects performance, so you should compare the specific models you are considering.
As you saw from our review above, both types of processors are fantastic considerations. The ones you should The choice depends heavily on what you need the processor for. Are you looking for a great all-around everyday computing experience? Then an AMD Ryzen 5 processor is for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a processor that can handle heavier workloads and games quickly and efficiently, you should look into an Intel i7 processor.
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FAQs
Is a Ryzen 5 better than an i7? ›
AMD's Ryzen 5 offers more power and performance than Intel's Core i7 at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice quality or performance.
Which is better Ryzen 5 or Intel Core? ›That being said the AMD Ryzen 5 series is still the undisputed champion when it comes to offering power efficiency. The AMD Ryzen CPU completely dominates Intel CPUs in this department. Even with the latest Intel i5 CPU, they required more power compared to the Ryzen 5 series.
Is Ryzen 5 is equal to Intel 7? ›Ryzen 5 CPUs offer gamers better value for money than the eight core Ryzen 7 models released last month. With six cores the 1600 is approximately 75% better at multi-threaded tasks than Intel's quad core i5 flagship – the similarly priced i5-7600K, the 1600 however, has 25% lower single and 33% lower quad core scores.
Is Intel Core i5 laptop better than AMD Ryzen 5? ›Regarding raw performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i5 are powerful processors. However, the Ryzen 5 has an edge in this department. It has more cores and threads than the i5, which can handle more tasks simultaneously. It also has a higher base clock speed, meaning it can quickly complete those tasks.
Which Ryzen is equivalent to i7? ›Both the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Intel Core i7-12700K are relatively new CPUs. They both are fully kitted and are perfect options to consider for a high-end gaming rig. And as you can see, both the processors are a lot similar in terms of the specifications too.
Which is better Ryzen or Intel? ›AMD Ryzen 5 processors are often less powerful than Intel Core i5 processors. They feature a clock speed of up to 4.4GHz faster than the i5's 4.6GHzi5'sey do; however, they have twice as many threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is also notable for its low 65W power consumption.
What is Ryzen 5 equivalent to Intel? ›Intel Core i5 12600K: future-proof with DDR5
The 3.7GHz base clock speed is the same as that of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. It does have a higher turbo speed of 4.9GHz compared to 4.6GHz.
This processor is probably the best choice if: You want a mid-range processor for productivity and gaming. You're looking for a desktop CPU that doesn't cost a fortune. You intend to make an upgrade from your older Ryzen 3000 processor.
Why AMD is better than Intel? ›CPU gaming performance
But, AMD chips are generally more flexible than their Intel counterparts when it comes to overclocking. So if you're into boosting your CPU to squeeze out extra processing power to run the latest and most demanding games, AMD is an excellent choice.
But in many cases, the answer is actually very clear: Intel wins for most users looking for the best balance of performance in both gaming and productivity at a more accessible price point. However, AMD's lineup of Ryzen 7000 X3D processors wins for PCs focused on gaming.
Which i7 processor is best? ›
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13900K desktop processor. ...
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700KF desktop processor, without processor... ...
- Build a powerful PC with this 10th Gen Intel Core i7 desktop processor.... ...
- 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11700K unlocked desktop processor.
A current example of a laptop that has both the Intel i7 1065G7, which is an Intel mobile processor with discreet graphics built into the chip vs the Ryzen 7 3780U processor, two good processors, pretty on par with one another, but the Intel chip i7 is still roughly 15% faster than the Ryzen chip.
Is Ryzen 5 or 7 better in laptop? ›Ryzen 5 vs Ryzen 7: Which One Should You Choose? If you are looking for the most powerful processor you can get, the Ryzen 7 is the way to go. Although it comes with a higher price tag, the Ryzen 7 dominates in gaming benchmarks and is also more suitable for 4K video editing, streaming, and 3D rendering.
Which is better Ryzen 7 or Intel i7? ›Both processors have solid specs on paper. The Ryzen 7 with its octa-core configuration offers a blazing fast clock boost of 3.80GHz while the Intel i7 12700K offers a slightly lower base clock speed of 3.6GHz. When overclocked both the performance cores of Intel i7 can reach a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz.
What is the difference between Intel Core and AMD Ryzen? ›The Intel processors generally have a higher clock speed than an AMD processor. This means they perform better with jobs for which you use 1 or 2 applications. Think of office jobs or running your games. In addition, almost all Intel processors have a built-in video chip.
What is the difference between AMD and Intel? ›Intel processors are less expensive compared to the AMD ones at the lower range. AMD processors are less expensive compared to the Intel ones at the higher range. It may heat up when someone uses it with a Clock Speed Boost of 14nm. The AMD processor generally stays cooler than Intel due to its small lithography.
Is Intel better than Ryzen for daily use? ›Intel tends to shine in more labor-intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming, but AMD Ryzen processors tend to be a better value when it comes to graphics and for those who plan to mostly use their PCs for productivity tasks and not much else.
Is Ryzen processor long lasting? ›Long Lasting Performance
AMD Ryzen™ processors are designed to optimize performance, so you can manage your workload and still have plenty of runtime left for fun.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Intel Core i5 12th Gen 15.6"
- HP Pavilion x360 11th Gen Intel Core i7 14 inch.
- Dell 14 (2022) Inspiron 5410 Laptop.
- Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G- Intel 12th Gen i5.
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop.
- Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H 15.6"
If you do not have a very high budget when you are going for a gaming laptop, you can easily go for an AMD Ryzen 5 laptop without thinking too much. These AMD laptops are great for both professionals and passionate gamers to let you easily meet all your gaming needs without spending too much money.
How long do Ryzen 5 laptops last? ›
However, if you have an entry-level laptop with Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 3, AMD Ryzen 5, or other similarly powerful CPUs, then you can expect it to last for 3-4 years which is slightly lower than other high-end processors.
Is Ryzen 5 in laptop any good? ›The best AMD Ryzen laptops are among the best laptops on the market, bar none. Ryzen 6000-series laptops are here, but the Ryzen 5000-series remains a stellar choice with a combination of price, performance, and battery life that is hard to beat.
What are the disadvantages of AMD processors? ›The disadvantages of an AMD processor are that they do not have the same performance as Intel processors. They also cost less than an Intel processor, but this is because they don't perform as well.
Which processor consumes less power Intel or AMD? ›We already know Intel CPUs tend to use less power during idle compared to Ryzen series.
Why Intel is cheaper than AMD? ›AMD's selling price is the right price. It actually should be a little more than that but not as high as Intel prices. Intel charges for their brand value, you pay for the name not because they are actually pricier, in fact Intel chips are manufactured on a lower node which is cheaper to manufacture.
What are the advantages and disadvantages AMD vs Intel? ›Intel remains king when it comes to clock speed. For gamers, this can definitely be an edge. AMD has the upper hand when it arrives at cores and threads. An AMD Ryzen is often a little more affordable than an Intel Core processor, except in the Pro segment.
Are AMD laptops more efficient than Intel? ›If you're looking to work with your processor performing intensive multithreaded tasks like video editing or transcoding, or heavy multitasking activities with tens of browser tabs open, Intel's laptop CPUs are the fastest, but AMD's are close behind and often offer better battery life.
Why is Intel Core i7 is best? ›The latest i7 chips offer up to six cores and 12 threads, making them better suited for advanced multitasking. Core i7 processors are considered ideal for multimedia consumption, high-end gaming, demanding applications such as Adobe's Creative Suite, and scientific work.
Is Core i7 high-end? ›Performance. Intel Core i7 is a high-end processor and is more appropriate than the i5 processors for certain intensive tasks, such as data crunching, graphics and video editing, and PC gaming. i7 processors feature a larger cache, hyper-threading, and a higher clock speed.
Are i7 processors worth it? ›The i7 CPU is better for more specialized, resource-intensive, performance-oriented apps and higher-end gaming. The i7 is also better for running lots of different tasks simultaneously. To choose the best CPU for you, think about your computing habits.
Is Ryzen 5 a good processor? ›
AMD's third-generation Ryzen CPUs are some of the best processors ever made, offering fantastic single-threaded performance and even more impressive multithreading capabilities. This makes them perfect for productivity tasks like video editing and transcoding, but also excellent at gaming.
Is Ryzen 5 good for gaming? ›AMD's Ryzen 5 chips are mid-level processors for gaming, that you can start to play current generation titles on your PC with increased processing efficiency. The increased pricing reflects this, and the current AMD Ryzen 5 processors are equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Is Ryzen 5 7 or 9 better? ›The Differences Between Each Ryzen Model
The higher the value indicated on it, the better performance that chip line will deliver. For example, Ryzen 3 chips only have four cores, while Ryzen 5 has six. On the other hand, Ryzen 7 has eight cores, and the Ryzen 9 can be had in 12 and 16-core versions.
It has a higher base clock speed, more cores and threads, and faster memory support, all of which combine to make it a more powerful CPU.
What are the advantages of AMD over Intel? ›CPU gaming performance
But, AMD chips are generally more flexible than their Intel counterparts when it comes to overclocking. So if you're into boosting your CPU to squeeze out extra processing power to run the latest and most demanding games, AMD is an excellent choice.
Intel vs AMD CPU Gaming Performance. In the AMD vs Intel CPU gaming performance battle, Intel holds the lead in all critical price bands. Below we have a wide selection of collective gaming performance measurements for the existing chips in the different price bands.
Is A Core i7 processor good for gaming? ›For ideal results, a machine running an Intel® Core™ i7 processor or better with at least 8GB of RAM is sufficient for playing games and streaming at the same time. If you're hoping for less impact on your gaming performance, an Intel® Core™ i9 processor makes for an even smoother experience.
Which is better AMD or Intel for gaming? ›The best processor for gaming depends on what you're looking for and the budget at hand. If you're looking for a CPU that can handle intense gaming, Intel is the way to go. But if you're looking for an all-around powerful processor that can handle almost anything easily, then AMD might be the right choice.
Is AMD Ryzen 5 good for everyday use? ›They are well-suited to complex, multithreaded tasks like rendering video, creating 3D models, and compressing large files. All of that is to say: Core and Ryzen are both more than powerful enough to handle everyday computing tasks with ease.
What is the difference between Intel Core and Ryzen? ›What's the main difference between Ryzen and Intel? Intel has support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, whereas AMD is still stuck on old standards. However, this makes Intel motherboard costs higher, as well as the power usage. Ryzen makes much more energy-efficient processors.
Is Ryzen 7 better than i7? ›
Both processors have solid specs on paper. The Ryzen 7 with its octa-core configuration offers a blazing fast clock boost of 3.80GHz while the Intel i7 12700K offers a slightly lower base clock speed of 3.6GHz. When overclocked both the performance cores of Intel i7 can reach a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz.
What is the difference between Ryzen 5 and i5? ›As for the core frequencies, the Core i5 12500 has a base frequency of 3.0GHz whereas the Ryzen 5 5500 has a faster base frequency at 3.6GHz. Intel has a higher max boost frequency coming in at 4.6GHz as opposed to just the 4.2GHz in Ryzen's case.
How fast is the Ryzen 5 laptop? ›This laptop has the Ryzen 5 5500U processor. The cores run at 2.1 GHz (base clock speed) to 4 GHz (highest Boost frequency possible) and feature the thread-doubling SMT technology for a total of 12 threads.
Which Ryzen processor is the fastest? ›The Fastest Gaming Processors in the World.¹
With up to 16 cores, 32 threads, boost clocks of up to 5.7GHz2 and up to 144MB of on-chip memory, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors deliver game changing performance.