The processor is one of the core factors to consider when setting up your AMD gaming PC. You will have to choose between AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors. It’s only two brands, but the variety they have within them can be confusing.

For the longest time, Intel was the preferred brand. But AMD has grown in leaps and bounds. With the release of the Ryzen series, AMD is quickly becoming a fierce competitor with excellent processor options.

As a gamer, the Ryzen 5 and the Core i5 series of processors are the best suited. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and cost, giving you the best value and gaming experience.

Fabrication Process

Before delving into the differences and similarities each series of processors offers, let’s first look at the technical aspect of the processors in terms of how they are made and the dimensions.

The AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs come with a 7nm fabrication process, while the Intel Core i5 has a 14nm fabrication for the 10th generation processors and a 10nm process for the 11th generation i5 processors. Depending on the size, the transistor size inside the processor can vary:

  • The small the fabrication size, the better because one can include more transistors in the same unit area. Processors with a small fabrication size can achieve a higher processing power.
  • Smaller transistors consume less power compared to larger ones. They also tend to perform better.
  • For the case of laptop processors, smaller fabrications mean the laptop manufacturers can reduce the overall thickness and weight of the laptop.

Because of the 7nm fabrication process, The AMD Ryzen 5 series CPUs get an advantage over the Intel Core i5 series.

AMD Ryzen 5 – 4000 and 5000 Series

The AMD Ryzen 5 features several series of processors, each offering varying features and specifications. The first of these is the 4000 and 5000 series. Here's what these two options have to offer:

Model

Number

 

 CPU

Cores/Threads

 Base Clock Speed

GHz

 Boost Clock Speed

GHz

 Graphics

Model

5-5600H

 

 6/12 3.3 4.2 AMD Radeon
5-5600HS

 

 6/12 3.0 4.2 AMD Radeon
5-5600U

 

 6/12 2.3 4.2 AMD Radeon
5-5500U

 

 6/12 2.1 4.0 AMD Radeon
5-4600H

 

 6/12 3.0 4.0 AMD Radeon
5-4600U

 

 6/12 2.1 4.0 AMD Radeon
5-4500U

 

 6/12 2.3 4.0 AMD Radeon

Exciting Features of the AMD Ryzen 5 Series

The AMD Ryzen 5 series has an excellent collection of processors with numerous exciting features that deserve to be highlighted. These are available on the 4000, 5000, and some of the 3000 series processors.

The 7nm process maximises processing power within the processor while reducing the space required to install the process.

The use of smaller transistors inside the processors reduces power consumption. This is particularly critical for the 5000 series of processors, which is commonly used in gaming laptops because it prolongs battery life.

For the best gaming experience, the H and HS series processors in the Ryzen 5 collection are perfect. They carry everything you need for an excellent gaming experience or other graphics-intensive applications.

The Ryzen 5 collection features processors with 4 – 6 cores with hyperthreading features. This range of cores is ideal for gaming as well as other processor-intensive activities like high-quality video streaming and conferencing.

The processors support DDR4 RAM with speeds of up to 3200MHz and LPDDR4 RAM with speeds of up to 4266MHz.

This range of processors is excellent for gaming as well as other activities like preparing advanced spreadsheets.

Intel Core i5 – 10th and 11th Generations

Intel’s Core i5 range has the 10th and 11th generations processors to compete with the Ryzen 5 collection. The 11th generation has the most advanced processors in this series, offering several advanced features, including the enhanced Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

Both generations of processors offer brilliant performances supported by AI-enabled Intel Deep Learning Boost.

For gamers, the Intel Core i5 processors have the Intel Iris Plus graphics and Intel UHD graphics that deliver vivid visual experiences for the best gaming experience.

The Intel Gaming PC range also features the Optane Technology that allows hybrid storage of the HDD and SSD storage on the same device for better storage capacity and processing speeds.

Gamers who are also content creators will benefit from the addition of the reversible USB C port, which is excellent for transmitting video content.

The Intel Core i5 range supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4 RAM at the same speeds as the Ryzen 5 processors, making this line of processors just as good, if not better, than the Ryzen 5 collection.

Parameters AMD Ryzen 5 Intel Core i5 Verdict
Number of processors Seven Twenty Intel Core offers a better variety.
Cores/Threads All processors come with four to six cores and eight - 12 threads Some processors offer six cores, whereas the majority come with four cores The performance of both these CPUs is similar in this regard.
Fabrication Process 7nm manufacturing process The 11th gen CPUs come with 10nm and the 10th gen with 14nm process The AMD Ryzen is a better option as it enables OEMs to manufacture slimmer laptops that consume less power.
Clock Frequency 2.1GHz to 4.2GHz 1.0GHz to 4.8GHz The Intel Core CPU offers a better range.
Graphics Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics and supports discrete graphics Intel Iris Plus graphics, Intel UHD graphics, and discrete graphics The graphics compatibility is similar, depending on the processor type.
RAM Speeds DDR4 RAM up to 3200MHz and LPDDR4 RAM up to 4266MHz DDR4 RAM up to 3200MHz in the 10th gen Ci5 and LPDDR4 RAM up to 4266MHz in the 11th gen Ci5 CPU The performances are similar
Connectivity options HDMI, Display Port, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth v4.0 HDMI, Display Port, Thunderbolt 3 in 11th gen Ci5 CPUs, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in 11th gen Ci5, Bluetooth v5.0 The Intel Core CPUs offer better connectivity.
Storage HDD and SSD storage is available in some processors Intel Optane Technology enables hybrid storage of HDD and SSD As both CPU brands offer dual storage, the performance levels are similar.
Battery Life The H and HS series offer better battery life than the other CPUs The H and the T series laptops offer extended battery life than other processors The battery life performance is similar.
Security Features Supports face recognition and fingerprint sensors while using Windows Hello software The 10th and 11th gen Ci5 CPUs come with excellent security features to ensure against unauthorized access. The performance of both AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs are similar.
Pricing AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are cheaper. Compared to AMD Ryzen CPUs, the Intel Core i5 processors are expensive. AMD Ryzen 5 series has the edge over the Ci5 CPUs in the pricing aspect.

The Verdict

Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5 each have their specific markets. The better of the two depends on the type of rig you want to set up and how you want to set it up.

The Intel collection offers slightly more, especially with the 11th generation i5 processors, which deliver amazing visuals but, you should be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets to land this line of processors.

AMD, on the other hand, does an excellent job of balancing quality and performance. The Ryzen 5 range is perfect for gamers looking for the most value and performance without the premium price tag. Both options are great for gamers and will handle most titles without a problem.

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