When it comes to mid-range CPUs, two names dominate the conversation: AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5. Both offer excellent performance for a wide variety of tasks. But when it comes to Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5- which one is the best choice for you? We will find out in this blog.
Intel launched their first few chips in the 12th generation core desktop CPU family. On the other hand, AMD also released the new-gen Ryzen 5 5600 series. Both Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5 belong to a similar price range. They provide a performance boost irrespective of the task you want to perform.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5
Here, we compare AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5, breaking down what differentiates them. This can help you make an informed choice about which to purchase.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Architecture
First, let’s take a look at the architecture of both series of processors. The Ryzen 5 processor is built on Zen micro-architecture. It was designed to reduce the power consumption and provide better clock speeds.
Moreover, the Zen micro-architecture 1st Gen was made using a 14nm FinFET process. It makes chips more efficient and uses less energy. SMT is also enabled with Surface Mount Technology. It allows each core to run two threads simultaneously.
This innovative chip design allows each chip to have greater overall bandwidth. Recently, AMD released the Zen 3+ architecture, which is built on a 6nm fabrication process. Taking Ryzen 5 5600x is the best-selling Ryzen 5 processor to date. It is fabricated on TSMC’s 7 nm process based on the Zen 3 microarchitecture.
Now if we talk about the Intel i5 12th-gen processors, they are built on the latest Alder Lake. The new architecture combines a mix of larger high-performance cores. It is paired with smaller high-energy efficient cores for the first time. Furthermore, Intel architecture supports features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5. These features go beyond what AMD or even Apple has to offer right now.
The high-performance cores feature the Golden Cove architecture. This latest Intel Core i5-12600K processor is the best CPU available for gaming right now. It features 10 cores and 16 threads.
Also read: AMD Vs Intel: Who’s The Showstopper?
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Performance
| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 5600x | Intel Core i5-12600K |
| CPU Socket | AMD AM4 | LGA 1700 |
| Cores | 6 | 10 (6P + 4E) |
| Threads | 12 | 16 |
| Lithography | TSMC 7nm FinFET | Intel 7 (10nm) |
| Base Frequency | 3.7GHz | 3.7GHz (P-core) | 2.8GHz (E-core) |
| Boost Frequency | 4.6GHz | 4.9GHz (P-core) | 3.6GHz (E-core) |
| Unlocked for overclocking? | Yes | Yes |
| L3 Cache | 32MB | 20MB |
| Default TDP | 65W | 125W |
| Max. Operating Temperature (Tjmax) | 95°C | 100°C |
| Memory Support | DDR4 up to 3200MHzUp to 128GB | DDR4 3200MT/s | DDR5-4800MT/sUp to 128GB |
| Integrated Graphics | NA | UHD Graphics 770 |
In terms of performance, Intel is ahead of the curve and outperforms the AMD chips by a huge margin. It performs really well in single-threaded and multithreaded benchmarks. The chip delivers snappy performance. It offers a good blend of single- and multithreaded performance.
Intel performs well when handling behind-the-scenes tasks in Windows 11. The chip can schedule tasks. It can bring out the best performance. Having some extra cores to perform low-priority tasks pays huge dividends.
Due to inefficiencies in Windows 10, the Core i5 had difficulty prioritising tasks. However, we can expect them to be soon ironed out with the Windows 11 update. On the other hand, AMD Ryzen users can turn to Overclocking if they want to bridge the performance gap.
It is also worth pointing out that the Intel Core i5 series also has an unlocked CPU. It supports overclocking.
| CPU | Intel Core-i5 12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) | 1900 | 1551 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | 17414 | 11847 |
| Passmark CPU (Single-Core) | 3989 | 3397 |
| Passmark CPU (Multi-Core) | 27188 | 22161 |
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 1916 | 1649 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | 11904 | 8588 |
The Intel Alder Lake CPUs have made significant progress in power consumption. The new Intel Core i5-12600K processor series draws much less power for the same amount of work. The AMD Ryzen 5 series is the undisputed champion for 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. This also means that the Intel CPUs will generate more heat. So if you purchase a custom gaming rig, you must invest in a better cooling solution.
For reference, the Ryzen 5 5600x has a TDP of 65W, while the Intel Core i5-12600K has a TDP of 125W. This is approximately double the power consumption of Ryzen 5.
Also read: 5 Best AMD Graphic Cards In India
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Platforms and Compatibility
In terms of future-proofing, Intel is the best bet. Intel Core i5 supports DDR5 memory modules and PCIe 5.0. They are not supported by any of the AMD Ryzen chips in the market right now. But with all these features, the new Alder Lake Intel CPUs also come with a more premium price tag.
The new Alder Lake CPUs are not supported by the existing motherboards in the market. You must have an LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is available only on the new Z690 motherboards. These motherboards are slightly expensive and increase the overall cost of your PC.
So, if you want to experience the latest 12th-gen Intel Core i5 CPUs, you’ll need to buy the new Z690 motherboard. Along with the new Z690 motherboard, you will also need to invest some more in those DDR5 modules. It will put a significant hole in your budget. Also, the best and most high-performing DDR5 RAM modules are expensive and rare.
On the other hand, if you decide to upgrade to an AMD Ryzen 5 series processor, it is not that expensive. The current Ryzen series 5 supports the existing motherboards with an AM4 socket. AMD clearly does not support the DDR5 memory modules. You don’t have to worry about them too much as DDR4 modules are sufficiently powerful enough. There is still time for them to mature.
The PCIe 5.0 standard is less likely to become mainstream until more CPUs are ready to support it. To conclude, Intel is clearly ahead in terms of some features. It is still recommended that you consider AMD if you are looking for a value-for-money package.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Power and Thermals
Another factor to consider is the power consumption of the Core i5-12600K. It stands out as high for a mid-range processor built on a more advanced and efficient process node.
Despite leveraging Intel’s new Intel 7 process, the processor exhibits power requirements. With a base TDP of 125 watts, it can escalate to 150W in its highest power state for optimal performance. It can do that while releasing the same amount of heat through the cooler.
The 12600K’s efficiency is an improvement over previous generations of Intel processors. It remains a noteworthy consideration. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen 5600X boasts a lower TDP of just 65W. There are reports of it exceeding this under full load for automatic overclocking. It generally stays below 70W.
It offers impressive performance of the 12600K. Its power and thermal demands are more than double those of the AMD Ryzen counterpart. This places strain on cooling systems, power supplies, and the types of systems. For smaller systems, Ryzen CPUs may continue to be a preferable choice.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Gaming
Gaming performance is the true test for any mid-range or high-performance processor. Currently, Intel is ruling the gaming market, whether you want 1080p or 4K resolutions. But the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor is only one step behind Intel. This is in terms of the price-to-performance curve.
Although gaming performance mainly depends on the GPU that you have paired with your CPU. If you want the ultimate gaming performance, you need to focus on the GPU. You need to get one that provides you with all the juice you will ever need. So, if you are having difficulty picking between these two CPUs, the CPU cost could be a deciding factor.
AMD is a really good value proposition in the budget range. Intel is also close to providing outright frame rate. This is using the dedicated graphic card combination. If given an option, limit your CPU spending and use those extra funds to get a better GPU.
The latest 12th-generation CPU from Intel may not support every single game on your PC. This is irrespective of the operating system you are using. In many of our different games, certain games won’t boot in the Intel 12th generation.
The main reason for this is the new hybrid architecture. It includes two different cores, one high-performing and one power-efficient. All popular titles are running without any issues. The ones that still have some issues should be fixed in the coming weeks.
In games like Cyberpunk, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Watch Dogs, Intel takes the lead in performance. This is in some games like Wolfenstein: Youngblood and CS: GO (DirectX 9), AMD is a clear winner. But the case with Intel is high power consumption so your battery will deplete faster than ever.
On the other hand, AMD offers better power efficiency. If battery life is your priority, definitely go with AMD. But, if you are looking for a higher frame rate, then Intel is the definite choice.
Here are some gaming FPS benchmarks comparing the latest benchmarks of AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5.
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra, RT Ultra, DLSS Quality, DirectX 12)
| Processor | Max FPS | Min FPS |
| Intel Core i5-12600K (10C / 16T) | 94 | 69 |
| Intel Core i5-11600K (6T / 12T) | 81 | 56 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6C / 12T) | 79 | 56 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8C/ 16T) | 63 | 46 |
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (1080p, Medium, DirectX 9)
| Processor | Max FPS | Min FPS |
| Intel Core i5-12600K (10C / 16T) | 640 | 171 |
| Intel Core i5-11600K (6T / 12T) | 540 | 163 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6C / 12T) | 682 | 184 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8C/ 16T) | 528 | 154 |
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (1080p, Uber, RT, DLSS Quality, Vulkan)
| Processor | Max FPS | Min FPS |
| Intel Core i5-12600K (10C / 16T) | 248 | 180 |
| Intel Core i5-11600K (6T / 12T) | 240 | 181 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6C / 12T) | 267 | 194 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8C/ 16T) | 198 | 162 |
Also read: Intel Processor: A Complete Buying Guide
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5: Pricing and Availability
Price is the main deciding factor when choosing between the Ryzen 5 vs Intel Core i5. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is cheaper, starting at Rs.15,494, compared to the Intel Core i5-12600, which costs Rs.17,250. So it’s safe to say, based on this pricing, that Ryzen 5 is better value for the money. Despite Intel Core i5 offering faster performance, the Ryzen 5 is a better choice.
This is because you can pair the Ryzen 5 with DDR4 RAM and AM4 motherboard to reduce the overall cost of the build. Even if you opt for the new DDR5 RAM and AM5, the price of the build remains cheaper than the Intel counterpart.
You should also consider the cost of other components. Like, as a new motherboard, new DDR5 memory to maximise the chip’s performance. A new CPU cooler if you choose to buy the Intel chip.
But in the case of the Ryzen 5 series you need to just pay for the chip. Whether you are upgrading your existing system or building a new one. The Ryzen 5 series CPUs can work with any of the existing AMD motherboards. And they even use the same DDR4 RAM kit.
Moreover, AMD is also bundling a CPU stock cooler with the Ryzen 5 5600X series. This is pretty good if you are thinking about overclocking and pushing the limits of the CPU. Both these CPUs are currently available in the market. You can find them on all the e-commerce websites and retail stores.
Final thoughts
If you don’t mind the entry cost, the Intel Core i5 CPU with the latest 12th chain chip is the no-brainer choice here. It will provide you with the best performance. This will set you up for many more years to come it is best for gaming as well as content creation works also. The Intel Core i5 12600k is the best pick right now, and it completely dominates the Ryzen 5600X.
That being said, it does not mean that AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is by any means a bad CPU. It is a good combination of both power efficiency and a good thermal solution. It may not be as powerful as the 12600k from Intel. But it will provide you with a much better setup if heating is an issue for you. If you want yourself to be future-proof, then you might want to stay away from AMD Ryen 5. It does not support features like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
Also Read: Guide To Buy the Right Graphics Card For PC
FAQs
Is Ryzen 5 better than i5?
Ryzen 5 processors usually have larger L3 cache sizes, which can lead to better performance in tasks like web browsing and multitasking compared to Intel i5 processors. However, the specific benefits depend on the model you choose.
Which is better, Ryzen or Intel?
Deciding between AMD Ryzen and Intel processors depends on what you need. AMD Ryzen is great for multitasking. It offers good value, while Intel Core is better for gaming and demanding tasks. Consider your budget, usage, and desired speed when making a decision.
Which is better, Ryzen 5 or Intel i3?
Ryzen 5 processors are generally a better choice for laptops than Intel i3. Ryzen 5 offers better graphics processing, more cores, and improved thermal performance, making it suitable for various tasks.
Why is Ryzen cheaper than Intel?
AMD Ryzen processors often have lower prices due to competitive pricing and cheaper motherboards. The AMD AM4 platform also offers broader compatibility, allowing budget-friendly motherboards to support the latest Ryzen chips after a BIOS update.
Which is better, Intel i5 or Ryzen 7?
An Intel i5 may be preferable for high single-threaded performance. However, due to its higher core count and threading capabilities, an AMD Ryzen 7 is better for strong multi-threaded performance.
Which Ryzen processor is best?
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is currently the top processor, offering exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and support for the latest technologies like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
Which is better for 1080p gaming, Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5?
For gaming in 1080p, when the CPU is more utilized, the Intel Core i5 will perform better thanks to its better single-core performance, offering you more frames.
Which is cheaper, the Intel Core i5 or the Ryzen 5?
The AMD Ryzen 5 is currently cheaper than the Intel Core i5. The build is also more affordable than the Intel counterpart due to the AM4 motherboard and DDR4 RAM.
Does AMD Ryzen 5 have better integrated graphics than Intel Core i5?
AMD Ryzen 5 processors with integrated Radeon Vega graphics. They generally provide better integrated graphics performance compared to Intel Core i5 processors. Ryzen 5 chips with Vega graphics offer decent performance for gaming and multimedia. This is without a dedicated GPU. Intel’s Iris Xe graphics are also solid for light gaming. It falls behind in performance compared to AMD’s Vega integrated graphics.
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