AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i5: Detailed Comparison of Mid-range Processors

When choosing the best computer processor for your needs, such as budget, available space, and efficiency, there are many aspects to consider.

But something you should know is that a high-quality computer CPU provides the foundation of any great computer system — and today’s best processors can help you avoid technology bottlenecks, giving you ways to do even more with your PC or Mac.

We’ve put together this post comparing AMD Ryzen 5 vs. Intel Core i5 Computer CPU so you’ll be more informed before making your final decision.  

Let’s dive right in!

1. Compatibility and Platforms

If you want a future-proof PC, an Intel-based system is your best choice. While DDR5 memory modules and PCIe 5.0 support are not yet available for AMD Ryzen CPUs, it is with Intel. Currently, AMD supports DDR5 for the AMD Ryzen 6000 series and AM5 for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, but Intel only supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.

Furthermore, Intel Alder Lake processors cannot be paired with any current motherboard. To utilize Intel’s 12th generation CPUs, you’ll need one of the newer Z690 motherboards. There are some reasonably priced Z690 motherboards, but you’ll need to buy a whole new board.

Combined with the new DDR5 memory modules price tag, all this leaves a sizable hole in your wallet. Additionally, DDR5 top RAM kits are quite pricey and not easy to come by.

AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series CPUs work with any motherboard with an AM4 socket, so you won’t have to pay an upgrade fee for your hardware.

DDR5 memory modules are less powerful than their predecessors but have the potential to get better. However, PCIe 5.0, which is still in development, won’t likely become mainstream until more CPUs and peripherals that support the new standard are developed.

Intel is, in all certainty, the winner in terms of future-proofing, but we would still recommend either the Ryzen 5 6200X or 6200H for those looking to save money on their setup.

2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

Let’s start by discussing some terminology. Intel is finally upgrading to its 16nm lithography from its 14nm, which it last updated for its 11th Gen Core series with Rocket Lake. It is a part of the 12th Generation Core’s revolutionary big.

The design combines six P-cores with four E-cores and dynamically distributes your PC’s needs between them depending on the task at hand. For example, the Ryzen 5 is AMD’s only processor with a traditional six-core/12-thread architecture.

The illustrious, chipset-style architecture that helped bring Ryzen to popularity makes a triumphant comeback, enhanced by a single-CCX design that eliminates the latency between cores experienced in prior IGP-equipped Zen processors like the Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 3400G.

If you’re wondering why we’re comparing the AMD Ryzen 5 to the Intel Core i5 rather than AMD’s IGP-less Ryzen 5, the integrated graphics make it more worthwhile.

Considering the increased burden on graphics processing units today, we must include the needs of different users when suggesting new PCs, even users who might have better success replacing CPUs and motherboards than they would find an affordable graphics card.

AMD’s new Ryzen 5 comes with a powerful Radeon RX Vega architecture that was last seen in the form of the Vega 7 integrated graphics processor with seven onboard graphics cores.

For example, the Intel Core i5 will include the Intel UHD Graphics 770, the latest model in Intel’s increasingly ambitious IGPs, the Iris Xe.

AMD seems to have an advantage in cooling – Ryzen 5 owners receive a Wraith Stealth air cooler with their purchase, but Intel Core i5 owners will need to purchase a compatible cooling fan separately.

AMD earns the point for adoption, total cooling needs, and general heat when power requirements are considered.

3. Pricing and Availability

Assuming you don’t overpay for the CPU, it will probably cost the same for the CPU as well. Intel recommends a maximum retail price of $299 for the Core i5, the same as the current retail price for the Ryzen 5.

The Intel Core i5 is much more expensive in the short term because of its price tag, but in the long term, it may outperform the AMD Ryzen 5. A new motherboard, new DDR5 memory, and a new CPU cooler are required to maximize the Intel Core i5’s performance.

In terms of availability, both the Intel Core i5 and the Ryzen 5 is currently widely available on the market, with a good amount of stock available across many online merchants.

4. Productivity

The Intel Core i5 is a much more powerful CPU for production tasks than the AMD Ryzen 5, despite there being some moments when the processor seemed unable to schedule to Windows 10s maximums.

When apart from a few setbacks, the Intel Core i5 is the clear winner here. We addressed this when evaluating that chip, but this is the first desktop CPU in a long time that’s made a serious effort to increase video production performance in the midrange.

However, although most people see the i5 as primarily a content generator, it can also serve as an amateur-level gaming CPU, just as long as it operates on a Windows 11-compatible PC.

It’s plain to see that adopting new manufacturing technology has boosted Intel’s competitiveness on Core i5 processors when it comes to content development.

AMD Ryzen 5 5500u vs Intel i5-1135g7

1. Storage

The Intel Core i5 has a maximum memory of 64 GB. That is great for people who need a lot of storage, such as video editing or gaming. That is a bonus if you are looking to future-proof your purchase.

The Ryzen 5 has a maximum memory of 32 GB. That should be plenty for most people, but the Core i5 would be better if you need more storage. You can always upgrade your storage later, but it will be more expensive than getting the Ryzen 5 from the start.

In terms of storage, the Intel Core i5 is the clear winner and is a great choice for people who need a lot of space. You can save some money with the AMD Ryzen 5, but you will be limited in terms of storage.

2. Power Consumption

Regarding power consumption, the AMD Ryzen 5 is very power efficient. It has a TDP of 10-25W which means it will use less energy than the Intel Core i5. The Intel Core i5 has a TDP of 12-28 W. If you are looking for a more energy-efficient processor, then the AMD Ryzen 5 is the better choice. That is because it will generate less heat and use less power making it more friendly to your electric bill.

To anyone interested in saving on their energy bill, the AMD Ryzen 5 is the better choice.

3. Price

The AMD Ryzen 5 is significantly cheaper than the Intel Core i5, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. You can expect to pay around $200 for the AMD Ryzen 5, while the Intel Core i5 will set you back closer to $300. Intel core 5 is a bit expensive because it is a 6th generation processor while the Ryzen 5 is the 7th generation.

So, the AMD Ryzen 5 is the way to go if you are looking for a cheaper option. Since the 7th generation is the newest one in the market, it has a slightly higher price.

4. Core Performance

Regarding raw performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i5 are powerful processors. However, the Ryzen 5 has an edge in this department. It has more cores and threads than the i5, which can handle more tasks simultaneously. It also has a higher base clock speed, meaning it can quickly complete those tasks. So if you’re looking for the best possible performance, the Ryzen 5 is the way to go. Intel’s Core i5 is still a very powerful processor, but it can’t quite match the Ryzen 5 in raw speed and power.

5. Integrated Graphics

The AMD Ryzen 5 has superior integrated graphics to the Intel Core i5. That is important if you are looking to do some light gaming or video editing without the need for a dedicated graphics card. The Ryzen 5 has the Radeon RX Vega 7 Graphics, while the Core i5 has the Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU. The Radeon RX Vega 7 Graphics is about twice as powerful as the Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU. So if you’re looking for a processor with great integrated graphics, the Ryzen 5 is the better choice.

Wrap up

Overall, AMD Ryzen 5 is a better alternative if you’re on a tight budget.

If you’re ready to pay a premium for platform entry, we believe the Intel Core i5 is a better option. In its class, it handily surpasses the Ryzen 5. With its steady performance, the Intel i5 will serve you well for many more years. This Intel i5 CPU Processor will improve the performance of your computer, especially on a Mini PC. Because it provides the excellent performance, high efficiency, and lower power consumption that everyone values.