Is Ryzen 5 Better Than the Intel Core i7 for Laptops?

When comparing laptop processors, AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 represent two distinct approaches to mobile computing. While both target power users, their architectural differences create unique advantages across productivity, creativity, and gaming scenarios.

Is Ryzen 5 Better than the Intel Core i7 for Laptops?

How Do Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 Compare in Performance Benchmarks?

AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i7 laptop processors compete closely in performance. Ryzen 5 models, like the 5600U, often match or exceed Intel Core i7-1165G7 in multi-threaded tasks due to higher core counts. However, Intel’s single-core Turbo Boost advantages can benefit applications like Photoshop. Benchmark tools like Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5 highlight these differences, with Ryzen excelling in sustained workloads.

Recent testing reveals Ryzen 5 7640U achieves 1,432 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests compared to Core i7-1260P’s 1,385 points. This 3.4% lead expands during prolonged workloads due to AMD’s superior thermal management. Intel fights back in single-core performance with 5.2 GHz boost clocks versus Ryzen’s 4.7 GHz maximum, delivering 8–12% faster response times in legacy software. Content creators should note application-specific optimizations: Blender shows 22% faster renders on Ryzen, while Premiere Pro exports 15% quicker on Intel through Quick Sync acceleration.

Processor	Cinebench R23 Multi	Geekbench 5 Single	Handbrake 4K Encode
Ryzen 5 7640U	1,432	1,587	9:22
Core i7-1260P	1,385	1,698	8:55

What Are the Differences in Integrated Graphics Performance?

AMD’s Ryzen 5 features Radeon Vega or RDNA 2 integrated GPUs, outperforming Intel Iris Xe in gaming. For example, Ryzen 5 5600U achieves 40 FPS in Fortnite (1080p Low), while Core i7-1165G7 hits 35 FPS. Content creators using Lightroom or Premiere Pro benefit from AMD’s GPU acceleration, though Intel’s Quick Sync aids video encoding. Discrete GPUs reduce this gap.

RDNA 2-equipped Ryzen 5 7640U demonstrates 72% faster texture rates than Intel Iris Xe, enabling 60 FPS gameplay in Apex Legends at 1600×900 medium settings. Creative professionals gain from AMD’s simultaneous encoding/decoding support, handling 8K HDR timelines in DaVinci Resolve with 32% fewer dropped frames. Intel counters with Deep Link technology that combines integrated and discrete GPUs, improving streaming performance by 18% in OBS Studio. Both platforms now support AV1 decoding, future-proofing next-gen video workflows.

Game/Software	Ryzen 5 7640U	Core i7-1260P
Cyberpunk 2077 (720p Low)	34 FPS	28 FPS
Blender GPU Render	4:15	5:10
Premiere Pro Export	3:22	2:58

“AMD’s Ryzen 5 has disrupted the mid-range laptop market by offering desktop-grade multi-threading in portable designs. However, Intel’s ecosystem partnerships and driver optimizations for professional software keep Core i7 relevant in premium segments. The choice hinges on workload specificity and budget.”
— Laptop Hardware Analyst, Tech Insights Inc.

FAQ

Does Ryzen 5 support Thunderbolt 4?

No, AMD uses USB4, which offers similar speeds but limited availability compared to Intel’s Thunderbolt 4.

Can Intel Core i7 laptops game without a dedicated GPU?

Yes, but at lower settings. Intel Iris Xe handles eSports titles at 720p–1080p, while Ryzen’s Radeon graphics perform better at higher resolutions.

Which processor is better for programming?

Both are capable, but Ryzen 5’s multi-threading accelerates compilation times, and Linux compatibility benefits developers.