AMD Ryzen 5 vs. Intel Core i5 - The best processors in 2021 compared

Most recently, we compared mobile processors with each other. Astute readers have noticed that all of them are now eight-core, even the cheapest of them. If we talk about chips for PCs, then there is a different situation. Their structure can be completely different. However, if we are talking about the two most popular lines, then they mainly include four- and six-core solutions. At the same time, the Core i5-9400F released by Intel in 2019 is the only one that is not capable of delivering two threads per core. Like it or not, but this greatly affects its performance. Comparison by testing will confirm this, rest assured.

Now many programs and games are able to correctly distribute the load across multiple cores. In this regard, buying a Ryzen 5 3350G looks the least attractive. The fact is that this chip is the only one we are considering consists of only four cores. And the clock frequency in the standard mode of operation will please not every buyer.However, if you are not going to use a laptop or desktop PC for professional purposes, then the power reserve provided by AMD will definitely be enough.

As for the other three processors, their cores are approximately equal. The Core i5-11600KF surprises the most. Its turbo clock speed can reach 4.9 GHz! But you need to understand that in this case the chip will need a solid cooling system. Including due to the fact that the product was created according to not the most delicate technical process.

As expected, all chips are equipped with three levels of cache. In this case, the first-level cache is exactly the same. Differences are observed starting from the second level. And they become most noticeable at the third level, which is usually the largest. It depends on him most of all how much data is written to the intermediate buffer so that the processor reads them literally at lightning speed.

The largest L3 cache has a chip from the Ryzen 5 Cezanne series.The 5600G includes the unthinkable 16 MB! This should significantly affect the performance of the processor, especially if the computer regularly performs approximately the same tasks. It should be noted that the Core i5-11600KF sold for about the same money is not too far behind the competitor. The same cannot be said about all the other chips considered in this comparison.

Almost all processors included in our article were released before 2021. Therefore, do not be surprised that they have support for PCI-Express 3.0. This means that it makes no sense to look for the latest motherboard for them, which could implement all the features of the conditional GeForce RTX 3090 video card. However, they do an excellent job without support for the fourth version of the standard. This is evidenced by at least a huge number of PCI-E lines. And the bandwidth of the bus in almost all chips is very high.

The exception to the rule in this case is the Core i5-11600KF. The Intel company was in a hurry. Its solution still understands the PCI-E 4.0 standard.And this despite the fact that it is by no means top-notch! The number of PCI-Express lines has increased to 20 pieces. Therefore, this processor should be taken by those who plan to acquire a top-end gaming video card in the future.

As for the RAM controller, in all five cases it is designed to work with DDR4. The number of channels is two, which is quite acceptable for a chip with such a price tag. We draw your attention to the fact that the Ryzen 5 3350G will not allow you to roam. But other chips do not provide any special restrictions - many of them support the installation of up to 128 GB of RAM. As you might guess, the maximum frequency of 3200 MHz is declared in the three most expensive processors. Again, this goes to show that this is the best choice for a gamer.

Almost all the chips discussed in this material emit approximately the same amount of heat. Their TDP is 65W. In fact, this is not such a big number. If you are not going to overclock, then even a relatively low cooler can handle the cooling of such a processor. However, many chips cannot be overclocked. Only Ryzen 5 3350G and Core i5-11600KF can boast of an unlocked multiplier.

As you can see from the table, the Intel chip has the highest heat dissipation.Unlike Ryzen-branded products, it will still require a good cooling system. And do not rely on the fact that the American manufacturer claims a high operating temperature - everyone knows that it is better not to bring matters to it.

Both chips from Intel do not have integrated graphics. This means that any game, even a fairly old one, will require a video card. That is why such processors are extremely rare in laptops, where it is increasingly out of place. It also suggests that doing video editing using only a chip is wrong.

If for some reason you are not going to acquire a graphics adapter, then you need to look towards AMD products. For the same reasons, it is on its basis that ultrabooks are created. Interestingly, far from the most expensive processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 3350G, can boast of the best integrated graphics. It includes Radeon Vega 11. However, not everything is so simple. In fact, Vega 7 often shows its best side. And let's not forget that the other two chips are made using a more subtle process technology, which contributed to a more stable operation of the integrated graphics.

Released in 2020 and 2021, the chips are quite suitable for installation in a computer that will run games in 4K resolution. As for the slightly older Intel Core i5-9400F, it is better to use it in tandem with a Full HD monitor. It is in this case that you can count on an excellent result, especially if the video card does not disappoint. Tests show that in GTA V you can safely turn the graphics settings to the maximum, while you will see about 100 frames / s.

Roughly the same words can be said about the quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 3350G. And what happens if there is no video card? It is hard to say. Not every game is perfectly adapted to integrated graphics. Alas, but large projects will slow down very much. Even when the resolution is reduced to 720p! A digestible result is observed only in League of Legends and other free games. It is felt that they are sharpened, including for running on laptops that do not have a discrete graphics card.

The other two Ryzens show themselves in tests in a similar way. But there is still a difference. In ordinary programs, the performance increases significantly. The effect is most noticeable in professional applications, including those designed for video editing. You should play exclusively with a video card, unless, again, we are talking about shareware projects.

As for the best solution from Intel, it can be used in a gaming PC with a top-end graphics card. Tests show that as a result, you can safely play in 4K resolution. And if you limit yourself to Full HD, then in many games you can squeeze the maximum out of a 144-Hz monitor.The processor shows itself ideally in various professional programs. In a word, this is perhaps the best option for installing in an Intel LGA 1200 socket. At least in this price segment.

Of course, the cheapest chip we have chosen is a ninth-generation Intel product. No wonder, because it is designed to assemble a computer from components that cannot be called top-end and latest. About the same money costs AMD Ryzen 5 3350G. The advantage of this model is also the AMD AM4 socket. They are equipped with a huge number of motherboards, including very inexpensive ones.

As for the other three processors, their purchase will cost a decent amount. Especially when it comes to the latest AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G. That is why the choice in favor of these chips is made mainly by enthusiasts. And professionals who earn video editing, 3D modeling and other activities related to the continuous operation of the PC.

It should be noted that the chips discussed in this article are also found in laptops. But their acquisition by manufacturers costs about the same money as the average consumer.That is why the price tag plays a very important role in comparison.

If a person buys a computer for himself, then he seeks to assemble it from the latest components. However, this article makes it clear that sometimes you should do things differently. If the PC will be at home and a student will use it, then the ninth generation Intel Core i5, released in 2019, will suit you. Yes, it has only six cores, and it also does not have multi-threading. But this is quite enough for the stable operation of the Internet browser, as well as all sorts of not particularly demanding applications.

However, the best ratio "price-quality" has a completely different chip. In our opinion, the Intel Core i5-11600KF is the optimal purchase. This is the so-called "growth" processor. There is no doubt that you will have enough of its capabilities immediately after the acquisition, and in a couple of years, and even in five years. This model will allow you to realize absolutely all the capabilities of the video card, especially if it does not belong to the latest series. It is already possible to safely connect a monitor with a resolution of 2K or even 4K to a computer with such a chip.

As for the two most powerful solutions from AMD, you have to overpay for them. But more recently, this company sought to compete at the expense of a lower price! There are two advantages on the side of these chips. This is a more common socket and the presence of integrated graphics. However, the implementation of the latter leaves much to be desired.As tests show, without a video card it is possible to play normally only in shareware projects.