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AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i7
In this article, we take a look at the differences between the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i7 processors, in order to help you come to a decision for which one might be best suited for your needs.
Updated: Mar 30, 2023 2:20 pm
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Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or an avid content creator, we’re sure that you’ll have heard about AMD and Intel’s ongoing rivalry! With new processors every year, the battle to score the most market dominance seems to be never-ending.
With so many CPUs and components being released, not to mention how technically different AMD and Intel are, it’s getting harder and harder for even the most experienced PC builders to choose which CPU is best for their needs.
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Intel i7-10700K
Pros
Excellent single-core performance
Unlocked overclocking
Cons
Requires aftermarket cooler
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CHECK PRICEAMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Pros
Set to out-perform the 10600K
Great value for money
Unlocked overclocking
Cons
Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
Requires CPU cooler
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CHECK PRICEWhy are Intel Core i7 processors better than i5 processors?
The Intel Core i7 is generally considered to be better than the Intel Core i5 in terms of performance because it has more advanced features and capabilities. Some of the key differences between the two processors include:
- 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 with multi-threaded workloads such as 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 that the CPU can execute instructions faster and can result in better performance for tasks that are sensitive to clock speed.
- 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 can improve performance for workloads that rely heavily on the cache.
- Hyper-Threading: Intel Core i7 processors also tend to have hyper-threading technology, which allows each core to handle two threads at a time, effectively doubling the number of threads that the CPU can handle. This can result in better performance for multi-threaded workloads.
- Overclocking: Intel Core i7 processors typically have an unlocked multiplier, which means that they can be overclocked to run at higher clock speeds. This can result in better performance for tasks that are sensitive to clock speed.
It’s important to note that these are general differences and there are some Intel Core i5 processors that might have some of these features or even perform better than some Intel Core i7 processors on some specific workloads or scenarios. Additionally, the price difference between Intel Core i7 and i5 processors is usually significant, so the decision of which one to choose also needs to be balanced with the budget.
This is where we come in. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at two types of processors from these opposing companies: the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i7. We’ll be breaking down each kind of CPU and helping you make sense of the differences, so you can make the most informed choice.
AMD Ryzen 5 Processors Overview
In a nutshell, the AMD Ryzen 5 is a range of 12-thread desktop processors that features a 64-bit quad and 86 Hexa-cores. Each chip within this series is based on Zen architecture, which is AMD’s third architectural design.
Generally, AMD Ryzen 5 microprocessors contain either 4 cores that can process 8 threads at once or 6 cores that can support 12 threads at once. This makes quad-core Ryzen 5 processors ideal choices for everyday, general computer use, with some of the faster processors even being suitable for gaming.
Intel i7 Processors Overview
First developed in 2008, the i7 processor is Intel’s Core i7 line of CPUs and has seen 9 generations of cards since its first release. Up until 2017, the Intel Core i7 was Intel’s fastest line of processors until the Intel Core i9 was released. At the time of writing, the Intel i7 range features processors that contain up to 8 cores, with a default clock speed of around 3.6GHz on average. This makes the Intel i7 range a favorite for gamers, PC builders, and content creators.
Architecture
The first specification we’re going to be taking a look at its architecture. All the Ryzen 5 processors are built using the same Zen microarchitecture, which is a type of architecture that was specifically designed in order to reduce overall power consumption, as well as to improve clock speeds.
As each Ryzen 5 processor is Zen-based, they are each made via a 14nm FinFET process, which helps to make the chip more efficient at carrying out instructions per cycle, as well as using less energy. SMT is also enabled, which is a process that allows for each core to run two threads at once, as well as featuring an innovative SoC design that allows for each chip to have greater overall bandwidth.
In contrast, all of the Intel i7 processors are based on Intel’s Kaby Lake microarchitecture, which is a type of microarchitecture that uses a 14 nm manufacturing process. This microarchitecture was developed in order to achieve faster CPU clock speeds than ever before, better graphics, and higher Turbo boost frequencies.
Plus, in conjunction with Kaby Lake microarchitecture, the Intel i7 processors are also powered by Intel’s Optane technology, which works to improve storage speeds and improve overall efficiency. This makes this processor range ideal for gaming at 4K, VR, and all next-generation games.
Clock speeds
The Intel i7 boasts breakneck clock speeds, with an average of 3.6GHz. However, its fastest within the range 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 a hit with gamers!
In addition to lightning-fast clock speeds, Intel also offers a turbo boost, which is an overclocking feature Intel has been using within their processors for many years. Turbo boost allows for some of the i7 chip’s cores to run faster than their base clock speed when only one or two of the cores are needed. This is a really handy feature, as it means that the processors are able to be more efficient at multitasking.
In contrast, the Ryzen 5 range is slightly slower than the Intel i7 processor. Thanks to the Zen architecture we mentioned above, the Ryzen 5 processors include clock frequency improvements, and enjoy speeds from 3.8MHz to 4.4MHz, 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’ feature, but it does help to indicate how well the chip will be at multitasking efficiently. Core i7 processors have larger amounts of cache (which refers to the memory built into the card) that are able to help the processor handle large amounts of data and instructions without becoming overburdened.
AMD Ryzen 5 processors, thanks to an all-new architecture, also feature larger cache sizes in order to ensure your computer will be able to handle your demands without any struggle. Paired with SMT, this makes AMD Ryzen processors a great choice for content creators or those who frequently use their PCs every day, and want a processor that will keep things running smoothly and quickly.
Intel i7-10700K
Pros
Excellent single-core performance
Unlocked overclocking
Cons
Requires aftermarket cooler
Shop on Amazon
CHECK PRICEAMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Pros
Set to out-perform the 10600K
Great value for money
Unlocked overclocking
Cons
Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
Requires CPU cooler
Shop on Amazon
CHECK PRICEFAQs
Is Ryzen 5 faster than i7?
Both Ryzen 5 and Intel i7 CPUs are incredibly capable bits of gear, but if you’re looking for maximum speed, minuscule load times, and buttery smooth gaming, the i7 processors have a slight edge.
Intel’s Gen Core i7-10700K, for instance, has a base clock of 3.8GHz (0.2GHz faster than the ideal rate for gaming), and it has an impressive boosted clock speed of 5.1GHz.
So, if you’re something of an overclocker, and you enjoy pushing your processors to the max, an i7 is the right choice for you.
With AMD’s Zen architecture at the helm, Ryzen 5 processors also boast base clock speeds between 3.7 and 3.8GHz, but unfortunately, their boost clocks max out at 4.4GHz.
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-rounder CPU, they’re the perfect choice.
Their 3.7-4.4GHz clock speeds are beyond the sweet spot for gaming, ensuring an immersive experience every time you sit down for a session with your favorite titles.
What’s more, their multi-threaded cores make them some of the best multitaskers in the world, enabling them to support CPU-heavy content creation workloads.
As if this insane versatility wasn’t enough, Ryzen 5 CPUs are also incredibly good value for money bits of gear, 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 computers with intensive parallelizing workflows, a Ryzen 5 CPU is a sensible choice.
They’re perfectly capable of supporting all the most recent games, without sacrificing general usability — perfect!
Final Word
The Ryzen 5 and Core i7 are both processors from AMD and Intel, respectively, that are aimed at the mid-to-high-end market for desktop computers.
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 can be better for tasks that can take advantage of many cores and threads, such as video editing, 3D rendering and gaming, while the Core i7 may be slightly better for tasks that benefit from higher clock speeds and single-thread performance, such as gaming, video encoding and photo editing. The specific model of each processor will also affect the performance, so you should compare the specific models you are considering.
As you will have seen from our review above, both kinds of processors are fantastic considerations. The one that you should choose depends greatly on what it is you need the processor for. Are you looking for a great, all-round everyday computer usage? Then an AMD Ryzen 5 Processor will be for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a processor that can handle larger workloads and gaming with speed and efficiency, look to an Intel i7 processor.
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