AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i7 – which is better in 2024?

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.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

If you’re wondering which is better between the Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i7 processors, you’re not alone. We’re here in this article to find the best CPU out of the Ryzen 5 and Core i5 processor lineups. Both are a little different in terms of, well, everything. It can be a little confusing as to what you’re looking at when you put a CPU under a microscope. We hope to clarify everything you need to know to determine the best mid-range CPU from the two processor families.

With Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs available, and AMD bringing out X3D variants of its best CPUs, it’s now a more confusing time than ever to buy a new CPU. We keep this article constantly updated as here at WePC, we’ve tested plenty of CPUs and we know our stuff. If you ever want the best advice for anything CPU-related, you’re definitely in the right place.

If you’re short on time, the i7 lineup is better in terms of single-core performance, however, if you want multi-core performance the Ryzen 5 seems to be the way to go. This is a general rule – results may vary in other situations, but that’s the TL;DR.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Pros

Incredible single-core performance

Interesting IHS

Very power efficient

surpasses other CPUs with more cores

Cons

Hard to cool, runs very hot

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Intel Core i7-14700K

Pros

4 extra cores over 13700K

Same TDP as last generation

Cons

more expensive

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Which CPU family is better? AMD Ryzen 5 vs Core i7 processors

There are some vast differences when speaking in terms of Intel and AMD architectures. One big one is the use of LITTLE.big core architecture introduced in 12th generation Intel CPUs, something AMD has yet to adopt. It’s differences like this that can make choosing between them, very difficult because both sets of processors through the generations are better at different things.

We hope to squash some of that difficulty in this article and make choosing between them as easy as possible. It’s for that reason that we’re only trying to focus on the newer-gen stuff.

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AMD Ryzen 5 Processors overview

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

Cores

6

Threads

12

Base speed

4.7GHz

Boost speed

5.3GHz

Cache

L3 32MB

Socket

AM5

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In a Nutshell, the Ryzen 5 lineup is the lower, more budget-friendly variant of the generation, usually sporting the least amount of cores, and therefore power, to try and conserve cost. They also tend to be the most efficient, one to watch if you’re looking to keep those energy bills down this year. The standard configuration for a Ryzen 5 7000 series processor is 6 cores and 12 threads, something else that’s worth noting is the Ryzen 5 series usually has the highest base clock speed of the whole generation.

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Intel i7 Processors overview

Intel Core i7-14700K

Cores:

20 (8+12)

Threads

28

Base Clock

3.4 GHz

Boost Clock

5.6 GHz

TDP:

125W

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Intel’s 14th generation i7 is a different beast compared to the ones we’ve seen already in previous generations. This CPU sports 20 cores and 28 threads, making it stand out as the middle-of-the-pack 14th-generation processor. Intel’s 14th gen was marked as a particularly disappointing launch, with many stating that the 14th generation was the same compared to the 13th gen. Makes things easier for us, so it wasn’t all bad, Intel.

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Which is best from these Ryzen 5 and i7 processors?

The Intel Core i7-14700K has some advantages over the Ryzen 5 7600X. First, it has more cores, with 20 cores compared to the Ryzen’s 8. This means it can handle more tasks simultaneously. The i7 also has more threads, with 28 threads compared to the Ryzen’s 16. More threads can help in tasks that require a lot of multitasking. The Intel chip has a slightly higher base clock at 3.4 GHz, while the Ryzen starts at 3.7 GHz, but the Intel chip has a higher boost clock at 5.6 GHz compared to the Ryzen’s 5.3 GHz.

One thing to note is that the Intel chip has a slightly higher TDP at 125W, while the Ryzen is 105W. This means the Intel chip may consume a bit more power, so you’ll need a good cooling solution.

When it comes to price, the Intel i7-14700K is priced at $439, which is higher than the Ryzen 5 7600X at $299. So, while the Intel chip has some advantages in terms of core count and clock speed, it also comes at a higher price.

In general, the choice between Intel and Ryzen depends on your specific needs and budget. Intel i7 processors can offer more cores and threads, which can be beneficial for certain tasks, but they tend to be more expensive. Ryzen 5 processors, on the other hand, offer good performance at a more budget-friendly price. Ultimately, the “better” CPU depends on what you’re looking for in terms of performance and how much you’re willing to spend.

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Architecture

We need to talk about the architecture since all Intel processors from the 12th gen onwards use a vastly different architecture.

Intel’s “little big” technology is a CPU design strategy that involves incorporating two different types of processor cores on a single chip. These cores are known as the “big” core and the “little” core. The big core is engineered for high-performance tasks, capable of handling demanding workloads, while the little core is designed for efficiency, excelling at less demanding tasks while consuming minimal power.

This innovative approach aims to strike an optimal balance between the performance and power consumption of a CPU. It is particularly valuable in enhancing the battery life of portable devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When the device is engaged in less demanding activities, the little core manages the workload, conserving power resources. However, when more strenuous tasks necessitate increased processing power, the big core steps in to provide the necessary performance boost.

Intel’s little big technology shares similarities with ARM’s big.LITTLE technology, as both employ a combination of big and little cores to manage varying workloads. However, Intel’s approach distinguishes itself by utilizing Intel’s x86 architecture, which differs from ARM’s architecture. Intel’s strategy allows for seamless transitions between the big and little cores, enabling precise power management even on a per-thread basis.

In the context of operating systems, such task delegation is overseen by the Task Scheduler in Windows, while other operating systems employ similar systems for this purpose.

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FAQs

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 pretty significant edge, especially regarding the newer generations.

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, for a relatively small price, they’re the perfect choice.

The Ryzen 5 7600X can be the perfect CPU for you if you need to game and perform some general day to day tasks on a budget.

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Final Word

In the quest to determine the better choice between Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 processors, the decision hinges on your specific needs and budget. The Ryzen 5 processors are more budget-friendly and offer solid performance, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of cost. In contrast, Intel’s i7 processors boast more cores and threads, which can be advantageous for tasks requiring heavy multitasking. However, they tend to come at a higher price. So, which is superior? It depends on what you prioritize in terms of performance and how much you’re willing to spend.