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When picking a mid-range processor, there are two options: Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5. Both are fantastic options for gamers and professionals, but which is best?
Is Intel still the top choice, or does Ryzen offer better value?
Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5: The Basics
Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 are two of the most popular mid-range CPUs available today. They both offer a solid balance between performance and affordability, making them ideal for gamers and content creators. While they can handle demanding tasks like video editing and casual gaming, there are some key differences.
Intel Core i5
Introduced in 2009, Intel’s i5 CPUs have become popular with budget-conscious users and are known for reliable performance. They feature ahybrid architecturethat combines performance-oriented cores (P-cores) with energy-efficient cores (E-cores) to optimize resource usage. They support hyper-threading, allowing each physical core to handle two threads simultaneously. In single-core benchmarks, the i5 processor edges out the Ryzen 5 by a small margin, but in multi-core benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 takes the lead thanks to its multi-threading capabilities.
AMD Ryzen 5
First launched in 2017, AMD’s Ryzen 5 is a relatively new line when it comes to CPUs. It gained popularity for its multi-threaded performance and competitive pricing as a direct competitor to Intel’s processor. Ryzen 5 processors use the Zen architecture, which usually has higher core counts and faster clock speeds than Intel processors. The latestZen 5 architecturebrings a 16% performance increase and a significant decrease in power consumption. However, unlike the Core i5, the Ryzen 5 does not haveintegrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for graphics processing.
After comparing Core i5 and Ryzen 5 processors, we analyzed the following:
We now know the basic differences between Core i5 and Ryzen 5 processors—let’s see how they perform at different tiers.
Entry Level: Core i5 12600K vs. Ryzen 5 5600X
At the entry-level tier, we have the Core i5-12600K and the Ryzen 5 5600X. These chips are suitable for budget-friendly builds and can tackle everyday tasks and light gaming. Let’s look at their specifications and performance metrics.
Architecture and Core Count
The Core i5-12600K, from the 12th GenerationAlder Lake lineup, features a hybrid design with 6 Performance cores and 4 Efficiency cores, totaling 10 cores and 16 threads.
In comparison, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X has a conventional setup of 6 cores and 12 threads, part of the Zen 3 Vermeer architecture.
Intel Core i5-12600K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Architecture Codename
Alder Lake-S
Vermeer (Zen 3)
Total Cores
10 (6P + 4 E)
Lithography and Clock Speeds
Lithography is a semiconductor technologymeasured in nanometers (nm)that indicates the size of features in integrated circuits. The Core i5 model has 7nm lithography, while the Ryzen 5 uses a similar TSMC 7nm process.
Both processors have 3.70GHz base clock speeds, but the Core i5-12600K boosts to 4.9GHz compared to 4.6GHz in the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Chip Lithography
Base Clock
Max Boost Clock
Up to 4.9GHz
Up to 4.6GHz
Cache and Memory Type
Cache memory works as a buffer between the processor and main memory. The Core i5-12600K features 20 MB of Intel Smart Cache, while the Ryzen 5 5600X has a 32 MB L3 cache.
The Core i5-12600K supports DDR5 and DDR4 at speeds of 4800 MT/s and 3200 MT/s, respectively, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600X runs only on DDR4 at 3200 MT/s.
20 MB Intel Smart Cache
32MB L3 Cache
Memory Type
DDR5-4800/DDR4-3200 MT/s
DDR4-3200 MT/s
PCIe Version and Power Consumption
PCIe is a high-speed standard that connects hardware to computers at different data rates. The Core i5 modelsupports PCIe 5.0and has a TDP of 125W, while the Ryzen 5 is compatible with PCIe 4.0 with a lower TDP of 65W.
PCIe Version
PCIe 4.0/5.0
Default TDP
CPU Socket and Graphics Card
A CPU socket defines compatibility between processor and motherboards. The Core i5-12600K uses LGA 1700 sockets and features Intel UHD Graphics 770 for basic tasks but isn’t suitable for high-end gaming.
In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600X fits into AM4 sockets and requires a separate graphics card as it lacks integrated graphics.
CPU Socket
Integrated Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 770
None (Requires Discrete Graphics Card)
As of this writing, theCore i5 12600Kcosts $159, while aRyzen 5 5600Xcosts $134. However, prices are subject to change depending on market demand and supply.
Mid-Tier: Core i5 13600K vs. Ryzen 5 7600X
Moving to the mid-tier, we have the Core i5-13600K and Ryzen 5 7600X. These processors offer a step-up in performance and are suitable for more demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming at higher settings.
The Core i5-13600K is part of Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture, while the Ryzen 5 7600X belongs to the Raphael (Zen4) architecture.
If we look at the core count, the Core i5-13600K wins with 14 cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficiency) and 20 threads, while the Ryzen 5 7600X has only 6 cores and 12 threads.
Intel Core i5-13600K
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Raptor Lake
Raphael (Zen4)
14 (6P + 8E)
Intel Core i5-13600K is built on a 7nm process with a base clock of 3.5GHz (boost up to 5.1GHz), while Ryzen 5 7600X has a more advanced 5nm process, featuring a higher base clock of 4.7GHz (boost up to 5.3GHz).
Up to 5.1GHz
Up to 5.3GHz
Moving on to cache, the Ryzen 5 7600X has a larger 32MB L3 cache than Intel’s Smart Cache of 24MB. Both processors support DDR5, but the Core i5-13600K offers faster speeds with DDR5 5600, while the Ryzen 5 7600X can handle DDR5-5200.
24MB Intel Smart Cache
DDR5-5600/DDR4-3200 MT/s
DDR5-5200 MT/s
In terms of PCIe compatibility, both processors support the latest PCIe 5.0 version.
However, the Ryzen 5 7600X stands out for its superior power efficiency. It features a lower default TDP of 105 watts, compared with 125 watts for the Core i5-13600K.
The Core i5 model uses the LGA 1700 socket, whereas the Ryzen 5 adopts the AM5 socket. AMD relies on Radeon graphics for visual processing, while Intel ships with its integrated graphics, UHD Graphics 770.
AM5 (LGA 1718)
AMD Radeon Graphics
At around $300, theRyzen 5 7600Xis cheaper than the $320Core i5-13600K, which gives AMD a slight edge.
Top Tier: Core i5 14600K vs. Ryzen 5 9600X
Finally, at the top tier, we have the Core i5-14600K and the upcoming Ryzen 5 9600X. These flagship models handle intensive workloads and are ideal for professional content creation and high-end gaming.
The Ryzen 5 9600X, using the Zen5-based Granite Ridge architecture, features 6 cores and 12 threads.
In comparison, the Core i5 model has a Meteor Lake architecture with 14 cores (6 Performance and 8 Efficiency) and 20 threads.
Intel Core i5-14600K
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
Raptor/Meteor Lake
Granite Ridge (Zen5)
14 (6P + 8 E)
Core i5-14600K uses 7nm semiconductor technology, while Ryzen 5 9600X is stepped up with 4nm.
As for clock speeds, the Core i5 model runs at 3.5GHz and can boost up to 5.3GHz, while the Ryzen 5 runs at 3.9GHz with a slightly higher boost speed of 5.4GHz.
Up to 5.4GHz
The Core i5 features 24MB of Intel Smart Cache, whereas the Ryzen 5 offers a larger 32MB L3 cache. In terms of memory type, both processors support DDR5 at 5600 MT/s.
24 MB Intel Smart Cache
32 MB L3 Cache
DDR5-5600/DDR4 3200 MT/s
DDR5-5600 MT/s
The Core i5 has a TDP of 125 watts, whereas the Ryzen 5 is more energy-efficient, operating at 65 watts. Both processors support PCIe 5.0.
The Core i5 features an LGA 1700 socket and Intel UHD Graphics 770, while the Ryzen 5 has a newer AM5 socket and comes with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics.
TheCore i5-14600Kmodel costs $350, and theRyzen 5 9600Xis $279. However, this price tag does not necessarily reflect processor performance.
In fact, based on aggregate benchmark results from sources likeNanoBenchandCPU UserBenchmarks, the Core i5-14600K outperforms the Ryzen 5 9600X by 29%.
Intel Core i5 vs. AMD Ryzen 5: What Should You Buy?
After reviewing their specs and performance, it is clear that they target different markets. The Ryzen 5 offers higher clock speeds and lower TDP, while the Core i5 scores higher overall performance.
Gamers and content creators may prefer the Core i5 for its single-core strength, while those valuing multitasking and energy efficiency might lean towards the Ryzen 5. When choosing, consider your budget and usage.
