Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. I’ve built many PCs using a range of different processor models, choosing carefully for the intended application, i.e., gaming, for example. In this article, I’ve used this experience to help with a comparison between the AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i7 processor ranges.
Industry CPU giants AMD and Intel have been battling each other for years, each trying to assert dominance in the processor (CPU) market and trying to outdo each other.
The Ryzen 5 processor was launched by AMD to compete directly with the Intel Core i5 CPU and offered excellent value for money. Against the more expensive and much better-equipped Intel Core i7, the Ryzen 5 struggles to compete.
Both processor ranges from AMD and Intel, have CPU options that come with or without integrated graphics, giving you the chance to choose and save some money by just relying on a discrete graphics card.
This article is a review covering the AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i7 processor ranges, two of the most popular choices when it comes to either gaming or creating content, for example.
I’ll be examining their specifications, gaming and productivity performance, energy efficiency, and pricing to help you make the best choice for your particular needs.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i7 – How Do They Compare?
Out of the two, the Intel i7 has the higher specification; however, the Ryzen 5 is still a very capable processor in its own right and can offer excellent value when compared to the much more expensive i7.
Here’s a quick comparison table based on top-end processors from the AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 ranges (both models have integrated graphics) that you’ll often see fitted to prebuilt computers on sale at the time of writing.
| AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | Intel Core i7-13700K | |
| Socket | AM5 | 1700 |
| Frequency | 4.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Frequency (Turbo) | 5.3 GHz | 5.4 GHz |
| Cache | 38 MB | 30 MB |
| Cores | 6 | 16 |
| Threads | 12 | 24 |
| Integrated Graphics | Yes | Yes |
| DDR4 or DDR5 RAM Support | DDR5 | DDR4 or DDR5 |
| TDP | 105w | 125w |
| TDP (Turbo) | 142w | 253w |
| Current Pricing (at time of writing) | $200.00 | $400.00 |
Overview – AMD Ryzen 5 vs Intel i7 Processors
Both the Ryzen 5 and Core 7 processor ranges include a selection of processors at various price points, some with integrated graphics and some without.
The option of overclockable CPUs is also available for those who need extra power, particularly for gaming, of course, taking note of the additional power draw from an overclocked CPU and corresponding cooling requirements.
The Ryzen 5 competes much more closely with the Intel Core i5 processor range both in price and performance, depending on the particular processor model selected. Against the current Core i7 models, it still offers excellent value but loses out on ultimate power.
With the Ryzen 5 processors coming with up to 6 cores and 12 threads, they’re completely outgunned by the Core i7, which sees the core and thread count as high as 16 and 24, respectively, boosting performance and multitasking.
The Intel Core i7 is more closely matched to the AMD Ryzen 7 range both in price and specification, but the range-topping Core i7-13700K is still the top dog when competing against AMD’s best processor model, the Ryzen 7 7600X.
Gaming Performance
In terms of gaming performance, processors from both AMD and Intel are excellent, with many choices available to suit all pockets.
However, if your pockets are deep, the Intel Core i7 is slightly better overall in every respect except for its increased power draw (to be expected when you consider that it would normally be compared with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor).
Productivity Performance
The Intel Core i7’s increased core and thread count means better all-around performance both in terms of gaming grunt and multitasking.
In comparison, though, the AMD Ryzen 5 range still offers excellent performance, especially when you take into account their much more competitive pricing.
Power Efficiency and Heat Dissipation
As one would expect, the Core i7, with its higher specification, has a higher power draw at 125w and a whopping 253w in turbo mode – meaning more expensive cooling requirements and the need to probably buy a larger power supply unit (PSU) to cope.
The Ryzen 5 processors have much lower power requirements, and so would a) generate less heat and b) cost less to keep cool, saving you even more money.
These power draw factors, coupled with already lower pricing for the Ryzen 5 range models, make them a more compelling choice.
Motherboard Compatibility
AMD Ryzen 5
When spec’ing up a system that you intend to build yourself, be aware that the AMD Ryzen 5 processors use two different socket types depending on which CPU model you go for, either the more commonly used AM4 or the much newer AM5 socket.
If you choose a high-end Ryzen 5 CPU with the AM5 socket, be aware that motherboards with this new socket are more expensive, as is the newer DDR5 RAM that they will need.
Intel Core i7
The Intel Core i7 processors use either the standard 1200 socket for the lower-end 10th and 11th generation models (Intel Core i7-11700 and below) or the 1700 socket for the higher-end 12th and 13th generation models (Intel Core i7-12700 and above).
Price and Value
The Intel Core i7 processors were originally supposed to compete with AMD Ryzen 7 models and were, therefore, priced accordingly. As an example, using the models referenced earlier, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X retails at around $220, with the Intel Core i7-13700K going for almost double at $400!
Pitching AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs against the Core i7 range means AMD is already winning on value, as the difference in performance between the two competing products is not enough to justify the huge jump in price to go the Intel route.
PCIe Gen 5 Support
One downside of going the AMD Ryzen 5 route is that their CPUs only support PCIe Gen 4, meaning you won’t be able to take advantage of the very latest super-fast NVMe M.2 Gen 5 SSD drives or Gen 5 graphics cards.
I’d certainly expect AMD to address this at some point with new offerings in the future, but for now, Intel Core i7 12th and 13th generation processors win here.
Conclusion
For deep pockets and money-no-object projects, go for an Intel Core i7 processor with its slightly better all-round performance.
If your budget is tighter, or you just don’t want to waste money, go with an AMD Ryzen 5 model, preferably as high in their range as your budget will allow, and you won’t be disappointed.
The performance they offer at such great prices (especially compared to Core i7 CPUs) is hard to ignore.
For gaming, content creation, or just general multitasking computer work, either processor is going to be excellent, but the AMD Ryzen 5 processors are going to offer you much better value.