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Building the best gaming computer is no easy task. There is a lot to take into account when it comes to deciding which components you should purchase. From graphics cards to motherboards, to CPU coolers, there are dozens of little choices that go into building your gaming rig. If you’ve undertaken the task, you’re probably in the market for a CPU. And as you may or may not already know, two of the most popular mid-range options on the market today are the Intel Core i5, and the AMD Ryzen 5. Let’s take a look at these two great processors so that we can arm you with the information you need in order to decide which is right for you.
Intel Core i5 vs. Ryzen 5: Side by Side Comparison
| Intel Core i5 | Ryzen 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Threads | 4 | 6 |
| Cores | 8 | 12 |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 3.9GHz | 4 GHz |
| Power Use | 95 watts | 105 watts |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB |
- 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores)
- 24MB Cache
- Up to 4.8 GHz
- 20 threads
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. Intel Laminar RH1 Cooler included
Intel Core i5 vs. Ryzen 5: What’s the Difference?
Cost vs performance is an essential debate that factors into just about every electronics purchase. None more so than your CPU. How do you choose between two seemingly great options? The Ryzen 5 or the Core i5, are both great mid-range CPUs. Why don’t we compare and contrast the features to see if we can determine a clear-cut winner?
Why a mid-range?
First off, some of you might be wondering why people are debating the choice between two mid-range processors. Shouldn’t they be looking at the high-end options if they want the best? Well, sure, if you’re John Hammond and can spare no expense then you should absolutely go for a high-end model. If you happen to be like most of us and have budget limitations, a mid-range CPU might be exactly what you’re looking for when building a dedicated gaming rig.
In the case of a gaming computer, you may be better off getting a reasonably dependable, yet less expensive, CPU and investing more of your budget in other key components: a graphics card, for example. And if you’re looking for a mid-range processor that’s perfect for a gaming rig, look no further than these two models.
Specs
Looking at the specs: the Intel Core i5 is a CPU that contains 4 cores and 8 threads as well as a base clock of 3 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.9 GHz. The Ryzen 5, on the other hand, has 6 cores and 12 threads, while running at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4 GHz.
If the considerations went no further than cores and threads, the Ryzen 5 would win, hands down. However, when we factor in things like clock speeds, the Core i5 is still a contender. Are the raw number of cores and threads important? Well, the greater the number of cores and threads, the more a CPU can multitask, executing multiple instructions simultaneously. So, while they aren’t the only consideration to make, they are certainly significant.
CPU Power Consumption
Due to Intel’s 14nm technology, the Core i5 has a far lower power-to-watt consumption, but that in and of itself isn’t the whole story. Looking at the big picture, a computer requires more power than just what is necessary to run the CPU. So depending on the power use of the other components in your machine, the advantage of the Core i5 could be negligible. Especially when talking about components for a high-performance, custom gaming rig.
Storage
The Intel Core i5 has twice the storage of the Ryzen 5. The latter maxes out at 32 GB, while the former tops out at 64. That extra storage will come in handy for more demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. The larger the storage, the faster your system can boot up, access, and load the information it has stored. As a result, the larger storage also helps with future-proofing as new information must be written and stored, but we’ll discuss that more later.
General Performance
In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 is the hands-down winner. How could it not be? With two more cores and four more threads, the Ryzen 5 is simply better equipped to handle demanding jobs. Although the fact that the Intel Core i5 can compete with the Ryzen 5’s performance with fewer cores and threads, not to mention just a fraction of the power, is admirable.
Cost
Initial price is another area where the Ryzen 5 comes out on top. Not only does it have a lower retail cost, but unlike the Core i5, the Ryzen comes equipped with an integrated graphics processor. The Intel CPU needs to be paired with a separate graphics card. Another point in the discussion of costs is the fact that new Alder lake CPUs such as the Intel Core i5 require an LGA 1700 CPU socket which can only be found on the new Z690 motherboards. The cost of a new motherboard (and a fairly costly one at that) can drive up the overall cost of your custom PC build. These facts, combined with the lower initial price tag, mean the Ryzen 5 provides a slightly better bang for your buck.
Future-Proofing
If we’re discussing long-term value, the Core i5 may be at a disadvantage there too. Future-proofing, or the ability to adapt to new components in the future to avoid obsolescence, is another factor to consider when weighing one’s options. Ryzen provides PCIe 4.0 support for most models. PCIe, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-bandwidth expansion bus typically providing connectivity to things like SSDs, graphics cards, and peripherals such as capture and wireless cards. This technology is reverse and forward-compatible ensuring it can adapt to changes in hardware in the future.
However, the storage capacity of each is a factor that ought to be considered here too. The Core i5’s 64 GB means it probably won’t need to be upgraded as soon as the Ryzen 5 with its 32GB. The CPU with the smaller storage capacity may fill up faster and need to be upgraded sooner. This could make the Ryzen 5 a value to start with, but more expensive in the long run.
Gaming Performance
Gaming performance between these two processors is relatively similar. As we discussed, AMD’s Ryzen 5 does an exceptional job with demanding tasks like video rendering. This makes it ideal for gaming. The Intel Core i5 is considered by many to be the top processor in the market in terms of gaming, however. The fact that it requires a dedicated graphic card works in its favor this time. It provides a slightly higher frame rate than Ryzen’s integrated graphics processor. Both handle either 1080 or 4K without any issues.
- This processor from AMD boasts 6 cores and is their fastest available option in this category.
- It can handle 12 processing threads, providing impressive multitasking capabilities.
- With the ability to reach 100+ FPS, it's a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.
- The AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is included for efficient temperature management.
- It supports DDR4 memory, with a max boost of 4.6 GHz and 35 MB of cache. It's also unlocked for overclocking and can handle DDR-3200.
- This processor is designed for use with the advanced Socket AM4 platform and is compatible with PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards.
Intel Core i5 vs. Ryzen 5: Must Know Facts
- Specs – The AMD Ryzen 5 has 6 cores and 12 threads compared to the Intel Core i5’s 4 cores and 8 threads.
- Energy efficiency – The Intel Core i5 is one of the most energy-efficient CPUs in the market today.
- Storage – The Intel Core i5 has twice as much storage capacity with a maximum of 64 GB. The Ryzen 5 tops out at 32 GB.
- May require extras – Intel’s Core i5 requires a specific socket that may require the purchase of a new motherboard. Also, it requires a dedicated graphic card, whereas the Ryzen 5 has a built in graphic processor.
- Future-proofing – Ryzen provides support PCle 4.0 which is reverse and forward compatible.
- Gaming performance – The Ryzen 5 handles video rendering like a champ, making it ideal for gaming. The Intel Core i5 requires a dedicated graphic card which means it ultimately provides a superior frame rate.
Intel Core i5 vs Ryzen 5: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to gaming computers, in nearly every category, the Ryzen 5 seems to be the clear winner, it has more cores and threads, it has an integrated graphics processor, is a bit more future-proof, and is less costly. But the Intel Core i5 is not without its benefits: it is unmatched in energy efficiency, has more storage space, and will provide a slightly higher frame rate when paired with a quality graphics card. Perhaps the Intel is better for everyday use, but in terms of bang for your buck, it seems as though the Ryzen 5 can’t be beaten. In the end, this may be a matter of personal preference.
- Intel Core i5-13500 Desktop Processor
- 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores)
- 24MB Cache
- Up to 4.8 GHz
- 20 threads
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. Intel Laminar RH1 Cooler included
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
- This processor from AMD boasts 6 cores and is their fastest available option in this category.
- It can handle 12 processing threads, providing impressive multitasking capabilities.
- With the ability to reach 100+ FPS, it's a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.
- The AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is included for efficient temperature management.
- It supports DDR4 memory, with a max boost of 4.6 GHz and 35 MB of cache. It's also unlocked for overclocking and can handle DDR-3200.
- This processor is designed for use with the advanced Socket AM4 platform and is compatible with PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards.
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