Comparing Integrated Graphics Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 vs. Intel Core i5

Short Answer: AMD Ryzen 7 processors with Radeon Vega or RDNA 2 integrated graphics generally outperform Intel Core i5’s Iris Xe in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks due to higher compute units and memory bandwidth. However, Intel’s drivers and software optimization provide better stability for productivity applications like Adobe Suite. Both excel in different scenarios: AMD for raw GPU power, Intel for power efficiency and hybrid workload balancing.

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How Do Architectural Differences Impact AMD and Intel Integrated Graphics?

AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture in Ryzen 7 processors features up to 12 compute units with 2.1GHz clock speeds, leveraging Infinity Cache for reduced latency. Intel’s Iris Xe in Core i5 uses 96 execution units with a tile-based rendering approach optimized for DX12 Ultimate. AMD’s design prioritizes parallel processing for texture-heavy workloads, while Intel focuses on API efficiency and AI-driven resolution scaling through XeSS technology.

What Performance Gap Exists in Gaming Between Ryzen 7 and Core i5 iGPUs?

At 1080p Low settings, Ryzen 7 7735HS achieves 58 fps in GTA V versus Core i5-1345U’s 42 fps. Intel demonstrates better Vulkan API optimization, reaching 37 fps in Red Dead Redemption 2 compared to AMD’s 33 fps. Esports titles like Valorant show parity (120+ fps), but AMD maintains 20-30% advantages in AAA games due to dedicated L3 graphics cache absent in Intel’s design.

Game Title	Ryzen 7 7735HS	Core i5-1345U
Cyberpunk 2077	34 fps	26 fps
Forza Horizon 5	48 fps	39 fps
Elden Ring	29 fps	22 fps

Recent driver updates have narrowed the performance gap in DirectX 12 titles. AMD’s January 2025 Adrenalin Edition improved ray-traced performance by 18% in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, while Intel’s XeSS 1.2 update added dynamic resolution scaling for better frame pacing. The Ryzen 7’s advantage becomes more pronounced at higher texture settings due to its 8GB VRAM allocation versus Intel’s 4GB limit.

How Does Power Efficiency Compare Between AMD and Intel iGPUs?

Intel’s 7nm process enables 15W TDP configurations maintaining 1.4GHz GPU clocks, while AMD’s 6nm Ryzen 7 requires 28W for sustained 1.9GHz performance. In PCMark 10 Battery Life tests, Intel systems last 9.2 hours versus AMD’s 6.8 hours during mixed usage. However, AMD’s SmartShift Technology dynamically reallocates 20W between CPU/GPU, delivering 35% higher peak performance in burst workloads lasting under 3 minutes.

Metric	Ryzen 7 7840U	Core i5-1340P
Idle Power Draw	4.8W	3.1W
Peak GPU Efficiency	24 FPS/W	28 FPS/W
4K Playback Duration	5.2 hours	7.1 hours

Intel’s hybrid architecture enables better load distribution between efficiency and performance cores during video conferencing scenarios. AMD counters with 7% better performance-per-watt in GPU compute tasks like Blender rendering. Both manufacturers are adopting TSMC’s N4P process in 2025 models to improve thermal characteristics, with early samples showing 12% reduction in AMD’s package power consumption.

“The iGPU war has transformed thin-and-light laptops into capable gaming machines. AMD currently leads in raw throughput, but Intel’s driver team has closed 80% of the DX11 performance gap since Q1 2023. Our testing shows Ryzen 7 better for budget gaming rigs, while Core i5 suits mobile professionals needing reliable encoding/decoding. Next-gen tile-based designs from both companies will blur these distinctions further.”

– Markus Schuler, Senior Analyst at TechHardware Insights

FAQs

Can Ryzen 7 Integrated Graphics Run VR Games?

AMD’s RDNA 2 iGPUs meet Oculus Rift S minimum specs (45 fps in Beat Saber), but require 16GB dual-channel RAM. Intel Iris Xe struggles with consistent 90Hz output needed for VR immersion.

Does Intel Core i5 Support 4K External Displays?

Yes, through DisplayPort 2.1 (Core i5-1340P and newer) with 8K60 HDR capability. AMD supports 4K144 via HDMI 2.1 but lacks DSC compression, limiting high-refresh multi-monitor setups.

How Often Should I Update iGPU Drivers?

Update monthly for Intel (security optimizations), quarterly for AMD (performance patches). Always back up using AMD Driver Rollback Utility or Intel DSA before installing new versions.