Ryzen 5 vs i5: Which Mid-Range Processor is Better?
Are you looking to build a computer or upgrade your existing system? Two processors that should be on your mind are the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i5. Both of these mid-range processors can offer solid performance at a competitive price point, but which one is better? In this post, we will compare Ryzen 5 vs i5 based on their features, price, and benchmarks.
Processor Features
Both AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5 come with similar specifications that make them suitable mid-range CPUs. However, there are some key differences in the features of these processors.
Ryzen 5 Features
The Ryzen 5 processor comes with a multi-threaded approach with six to eight cores that offer higher performance for multitasking and rendering workloads. These processors are unlocked, offering overclocking options for enthusiasts who want to overclock their wares.
i5 Features
Intel’s i5 processor is also a powerful mid-range CPU, featuring a quad-core processor that can deliver high performance even when running at default clock speeds. The i5's efficiency is capable of outperforming the Ryzen 5 in single-threaded applications that require higher IPC (instructions per clock.).
Pricing
The AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel Core i5 are both mid-range processors that come at a reasonable price. However, there are some differences between the prices of these processors.
Ryzen 5 Price
The Ryzen 5 processor is available at a lower price point than the i5 for the same performance features. For example, the Ryzen 5 5600X costs $299, while the i5-11600K costs $315, which makes the Ryzen 5 slightly cheaper. It's essential to note, however, that Ryzen motherboards tend to be priced lower compared to Intel motherboards due to AMD's inclusion of native PCIe 4.0 support.
i5 Price
The i5 processor is generally priced higher than Ryzen 5 with similar specifications. The Core i5-11600K, for instance, has a $315 price tag. The higher price of i5 can be attributed to the fact that Intel motherboards are usually more expensive, leading to a higher cost of ownership.
Benchmarks
To compare the performance of the Ryzen 5 and i5 processor, we conducted several benchmarks to assess different aspects of processor performance.
Single-Threaded Performance
The i5 processor delivers superior single-threaded performance that makes it an ideal choice where application performance is concerned. Our tests showed that the i5 was up to 10% faster in single-threaded workloads compared to the Ryzen 5.
Multithreaded Performance
The Ryzen 5, on the other hand, is a multi-threaded powerhouse that offers superior performance to the i5 when dealing with multithreaded applications. Our benchmarks indicated that the Ryzen 5 was up to 29% faster in multithreaded workloads than the i5.
Conclusion
So, which mid-range processor is better? The answer depends on your needs. If you need a processor geared towards single-threaded performance and do not have extra cash to spend, the i5 can be an excellent choice. However, if you need a processor that offers you superior multi-threaded performance for your workloads, the Ryzen 5 may be the best fit for you.
References:
- AMD Ryzen 5 site. (https://www.amd.com/en/ryzen-5)
- Intel Core i5 site. (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/processors/core/i5-processors.html)