AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i5 : Which Processor Is Best?

Regardless of your profession or passion, you always need to choose a computer to help you perform. Whether it is gaming, where you want to put your best, or video editing, where you require creating something innovative, choosing a laptops within budget and with high-end processor will always become the right choice.

We all know the importance of a robust CPU in the journey. While brands claim to be the best, AMD Ryzen and Intel i5 have been the top two. So, in this guide, we will learn more about both these processors. Here, we will pay attention to a detailed comparison to make it easier for you to choose.

A powerful processor is a great investment as it helps to help gamers and professionals constantly. Even when both are expensive choices, detailed knowledge of both processors will help you to understand the absolute best choice.

So, which one to choose? Let’s dig in.

What is AMD Ryzen 5?

When the gaming laptops or desktops creating a list of the most processors to power your gaming needs, AMD Ryzen is one of the common names. This is among the mid-range processors offering notable performance. The Ryzen 5 consists of hexacore or quad-core microprocessors. It was introduced back in 2017 based on Zen microarchitecture.

It is one of the finest choices for people searching for a great processor. The processor would not break your bank balance even with exceptional performance. AMD Ryzen 5 is the best choice for gamers and professionals who are looking for power at an affordable price.

What is Intel i5?

Regarding finding the best-performing processors, Intel is certainly one of the common names. Intel has several series of updates, and i5 is one of the biggest competitors of Ryzen 5. Intel Core i5 CPU is an all-purpose processor that can provide exceptional performance.

Whether you are into content creation, high-end gaming, or using special applications for multimedia editing, this processor can be the absolute best choice. However, it is an expensive choice with slightly better features and performance. It is definitely a great choice for those who do not want to compromise on quality.

Specifications and Features of Ryzen 5 and Intel i5

Both Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 are the biggest competitors in the market. These two have been rivals for a long time, which has led to making it absolutely hard to make a choice. However, when you pay attention to the core features included in the processors, it becomes slightly easier to ensure performance.

So, in this guide, we will look at all the intricate details within a processor. We will also discuss the importance of the feature to let you find a bigger picture.

1. CPU Socket

Every CPU has a socket which entails a series of pins mostly used for connecting the processor with the PC’s motherboard. Most gaming laptops come with CPU sockets that are compatible with the specific processor.

Both processors have different CPU sockets. The AMD Ryzen 5 has an AM4 socket, while the Intel Core i5 processor has an LGA 1700 socket.

2. Integrated Graphics

Integrated graphics is again an important consideration when choosing a CPU. Choosing a CPU with integrated graphics means that the GPU will not use different memory for video. It will make use of the system’s memory. As it is inbuilt into the processor, it uses less power and dissipates less heat. Therefore, it has a longer battery life.

Even when both processors are competitors, the Ryzen 5 comes with the Radeon RX graphics card while the Intel i5 processor has Iris Xe Graphics. So, if you are looking forward to enjoying improved graphics, Ryzen is a great choice. The reason is that the Radeon graphics are far better than Iris XE.

3. Platform and Compatibility (Chipset)

Processors are designed with specific sockets and are incompatible with various sockets. There are mechanical, keying, and electrical differences. Regarding the platform compatibility of both, the processors have entirely different chipsets. Intel core i5 processor uses Intel 300 Series chipset board which is again different from other versions from the same brand.

The AMD Ryzen 5 uses the AM4 platform. It is for tweakers and overclockers who seek the absolute best performance. The use of AMD x570 chipset, which is known for low-level and comprehensive control. The chipset supports dual graphics due to two PCIe 4.0 slots for graphics cards.

4. Storage

You also need to ensure the storage capacity of the processors. Intel i5 has been designed with a maximum memory of 64 GB. It can be a good choice for people seeking ample gaming or video editing storage options. It is a great choice for people looking for a future-proof solution.

On the other hand, Ryzen 5 has been designed with a memory maximum of 32 GB. This is certainly good for people who do not need much storage. Besides, you always have the opportunity to update your storage but can add to the expense.

If you talk about storage, the Intel i5 is certainly better with more storage. This will give you improved storage options and save you money on later buying other storage.

5. Memory Compatibility

If you are planning to choose a great PC that will help you throughout, Intel is something better. However, it again rolls down to your choice and budget. DDR4 and DDR5 are the two different types of RAM available in the recent market. Both have unparalleled performance, but DDR5 is the latest version with improved capabilities.

Intel i5 processors are available in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions. However, the DDR5 RAM is available from 12th gen Intel Core i5 processors. However, the Ryzen 5 has DDR4 RAM compatibility. The storage capacity of Intel is higher than AMD, with the latest RAM capability to enjoy better gaming performance.

6. CPU Speed

Processor speed is another vital feature of the performance. It is generally measured in Gigahertz or Megahertz. Regarding gaming, animation, editing video, and using multiple applications, CPU speed plays a tremendous role. With better speed, you can achieve your goals faster and without any hassle.

The Intel Core i5 processor has a 20m cache and up to 4.60 GHz speed. Coming to Ryzen 5, it delivers a max speed of 5.1GHz. Therefore, Ryzen has more speed which is beneficial for immersive gaming and content creation.

7. Base Frequency

The base frequency of the processor generally means the operating point of the CPU. The base frequency is 3.7GHz in Intel while 3.9GHz in AMD Ryzen processor.

8. Turbo Boost Frequency

Max Turbo frequency is the processor’s maximum speed which it can achieve using the Turbo boost technology. Intel Core i5 processor has a boosted frequency of up to 4.9GHz and 4.4 GHz for AMD Ryzen 5.

9. Thermal Design Power

TDP or Thermal Design Power is generally measured in watts means power consumption of the procedure under heavy load. The Intel i5 processor has a TDP of 125W, and Ryzen has 105W.

10. Unlocked for Clocking

The unlocked processors are those which are kept unlocked for custom-tuning processors. Unlocked for clocking processor lets you adjust settings like core, voltage, memory, power, and other key performance settings. It provides the speed you need. The Ryzen 5 is an overclockable processor designed for intense gaming. Coming to the Intel i5 is also an unlocked processor where you can manually set it to 40x.

Performance

Both the Intel i5 processor and Ryzen 5 are known for their ultimate performance. These are power-efficient models and are purposely designed for gaming and design needs. However, when determining the best performing processor, you need to check some other details.

1. Cores

Checking the cores and threads is extremely crucial as it talks a lot about the ability to take up certain tasks of 3D rendering and video editing. Ryzen 5 has more threads and cores compared to Core i5, which makes it slightly better. Besides, Ryzen 5 also has a higher clock speed which means it can complete tasks faster and more efficiently for daily use.

The Ryzen 5 processor has 8 E-cores and 6 P-Cores with 20 threads, and the Intel i5 has 6 P-Cores and 12 threads. Ryzen 5 is a multicore processor with more capacity.

2. Gaming

Checking the Gaming performance is probably the hardest test and true of all to understand the processor’s ability. To be honest, the Intel Core i5 processor is currently ruling regarding 4K or 1080p gaming. However, the AMD Ryzen is just a step behind in performance.

Some of the most popular games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk 2077 and Watch Dogs: Legion have great performance in Intel, but other games like CS: GO (DirectX 9) and Wolfenstein: Youngblood that have been running exceptionally well in AMD Ryzen.

3. Price

Pricing is another important decision factor when it comes to choosing a processor. To be honest, the Ryzen 5 is a bit on the affordable side compared to the Intel Core i5 processor. It can be a good choice for people who have a tight budget. You need to pay around $200 to buy an AMD Ryzen and $300 for an Intel i5 processor.

So, we would suggest Ryzen for those who don’t want to spend more but are looking for an efficient CPU.

4. Rendering

Rendering speed is something worth taking into factors. The Ryzen 5 CPU is a great choice, providing a perfect combination of features and performance. This processor is known to offer excellent performance, which means it improves productivity in 3D rendering and video editing.

Besides, its specification makes it a good choice for streaming and graphics. However, Core i5 is definitely not behind, but it is a bit more expensive. These are single-threaded, which makes them valuable for people who need to handle tasks without much hassle. However, it can be said that Ryzen has better rendering speed.

5. Web Browsing

When it comes to deciding on the best and a fast processor, you need to consider its speed. Intel Core i5 is known for its speed when it comes to content created than the rival Ryzen 5, which tends to have great performance on some occasions.

Intel core i5 processor is definitely the dominating choice. You will find it easy to use Adobe Photoshop when Windows 11 is installed in it. Even when the i5 processor is popular as a gaming CPU and known among creators, the chip also plays an immense role when it is run on a Windows 11 machine.

Conclusion

While both have a huge potential market, we believe that Ryzen 5 has a potentially bigger market. Intel might have a better range of features and slightly better capabilities, but the market is less due to the expensive price tag. AMD Ryzen 5 is definitely a good choice for most people who want to save some bucks. It has a higher clock speed, more cores, and supports PCIe 4.0.

Therefore, Ryzen 5 has the ability to handle demanding tasks and is a value for money, but Intel is for those who want the perfect processor and can afford the price. So, it depends on your preferences.

AMD Ryzen5 vs Intel i5 FAQs