AMD Ryzen 3 1300X vs Intel Core i5-4670S Comparison

The recorded data splits this comparison almost perfectly down the middle, with each processor taking three benchmark victories. The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X dominates the older Cinebench R15 tests and the newer Cinebench R23 single-core test, while the Intel Core i5-4670S counters with decisive wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core and both Geekbench tests. This is not a case of one chip being simply faster; the results point to two very different performance profiles shaped by architecture, memory support, and generation gaps.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X claims its most dramatic victories in the single-core arena. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 152 against Intel's 63, a 141.3% advantage that is the largest delta in the entire head-to-head set. Cinebench R23 single-core shows a similar story, with AMD at 947 versus Intel's 628, a 50.8% lead. The Ryzen also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core, posting 558 against 448, a 24.6% margin. These results suggest the Zen architecture's per-core efficiency, combined with a higher base clock of 3.40 GHz compared to Intel's 3.10 GHz, translates into a substantial advantage in lightly threaded workloads.

The Intel Core i5-4670S, despite being the older part with a 22 nm process node versus AMD's 14 nm, wins the workloads that stress all four cores equally. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, Intel scores 4454 against AMD's 3486, a 21.7% lead. Geekbench multi-core also favors Intel, 3300 to 3126, a 5.3% margin. The single-core Geekbench test goes Intel's way as well, 1184 to 1101, a 7% difference. The pattern is clear: Intel's Haswell architecture retains its strength in sustained all-core throughput, likely due to its higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz and the way its memory subsystem interacts with the processor.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental split comes from process technology and design philosophy. AMD builds the Ryzen 3 1300X on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries, packing 4,800 million transistors into a 213 mm² die. Intel's i5-4670S uses a 22 nm process at Intel with only 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The transistor density difference is stark: AMD crams more than three times the transistors into a modestly larger die, which explains the higher power efficiency and per-core performance potential.

Cache layouts also differ meaningfully. The Ryzen 3 1300X has 96 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, plus 8 MB of shared L3. The i5-4670S uses 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 6 MB of shared L3. AMD's larger caches at every level give it more headroom for the single-threaded bursts where it excels. Memory support reinforces this: the Ryzen runs DDR4 on a dual-channel bus with 42.7 GB/s of bandwidth, while the Intel part runs older DDR3 with no recorded bandwidth figure. The Ryzen also supports ECC memory, which the Intel chip does not.

Both processors have four cores and four threads, so the thread count is identical. The Ryzen 3 1300X has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the i5-4670S is locked. The Ryzen uses AMD Socket AM4 with PCIe Gen 3, 16 lanes from the CPU, while Intel uses Socket 1150 with the same PCIe Gen 3 standard. Intel integrates HD 4600 graphics, whereas AMD lists no integrated graphics. The Ryzen 3 1300X launched in July 2017 at a $129 MSRP; the i5-4670S launched in June 2013 with no recorded launch price.

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward recommendation. For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is the clear pick. Its Cinebench single-core wins are not marginal; they are overwhelming, especially the 141.3% margin in R15. The unlocked multiplier and DDR4 support also make it the more modern platform for those looking to build new systems.

However, for multi-threaded compute in modern benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-4670S holds a surprising edge. Its 21.7% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is substantial, and the Geekbench multi-core win, while smaller at 5.3%, confirms the trend. The i5-4670S also wins Geekbench single-core by 7%, which complicates the narrative: it is not simply a multi-core specialist, but a chip with its own strengths in certain workloads.

The percentile rankings are nearly identical, with the Ryzen at 39 and the Intel at 38. The average benchmark scores are close too, 1562 for AMD and 1526 for Intel. This is a genuine toss-up in aggregate performance. The deciding factor should be the specific application mix. If the workload is dominated by Cinebench-style rendering that favors the Ryzen's per-core speed, choose AMD. If the workload involves the kinds of tasks reflected in Geekbench and modern Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel part holds its ground despite being four years older. The Ryzen 3 1300X is the safer bet for new builds due to DDR4 and ECC support, but the data does not allow a blanket winner.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670S boosts to 3.80 GHz, which is higher than the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X's 3.70 GHz boost clock.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Ryzen 3 1300X has ECC memory support enabled, while the Intel Core i5-4670S does not support ECC memory.

Q: How much larger is the AMD chip's L3 cache compared to Intel's?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-4670S has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor wins the Cinebench R23 multi-core test?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670S wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 4454, beating the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X's 3486 by 21.7%.

Q: Are both processors quad-core designs?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X and the Intel Core i5-4670S have 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is built on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries, while the Intel Core i5-4670S uses a 22 nm process at Intel.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench R15 single-core test produces the most lopsided result in the comparison. AMD scores 152, Intel scores 63, and the 141.3% delta is a generational chasm. This test, which relies heavily on raw IPC and clock speed, shows the Zen architecture's advantage over Haswell in lightly threaded code. The Ryzen's higher base clock and larger L1 and L2 caches likely drive this result.

Cinebench R23 single-core repeats the pattern but with a smaller margin. AMD's 947 against Intel's 628 yields a 50.8% lead. The newer test still favors AMD, but the gap narrows, suggesting that Intel's boost clock of 3.80 GHz helps it compete better as the workload scales. Still, AMD remains firmly ahead in single-threaded rendering.

Cinebench R15 multi-core shows AMD winning 558 to 448, a 24.6% margin. This is a moderate win for the Ryzen, and it aligns with the single-core R15 result. The older test appears to reward AMD's architectural efficiency more than the newer R23 version.

The tables turn in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Intel wins 4454 to 3486, a 21.7% lead. This is the single biggest Intel victory in the entire set. The i5-4670S, despite its older node and smaller caches, sustains higher all-core throughput in this modern test. The result is counterintuitive given the R15 multi-core outcome, but the data is unambiguous.

Geekbench multi-core gives Intel a 5.3% win, 3300 to 3126. This is a modest margin, far smaller than the R23 multi-core delta. Geekbench single-core also goes to Intel, 1184 to 1101, a 7% lead. These two Geekbench results are consistent with each other, showing Intel's strength in that benchmark suite. The overall pattern is that AMD wins Cinebench R15 and R23 single-core, while Intel wins Geekbench both single and multi-core and R23 multi-core. Each chip has a distinct benchmark personality.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge on nearly every architectural spec except for core count, thread count, and TDP. Both use 4 cores and 4 threads, and both are rated at 65 watts. The base clocks differ: AMD runs at 3.40 GHz, Intel at 3.10 GHz. The boost clocks are closer, with Intel at 3.80 GHz topping AMD's 3.70 GHz.

The manufacturing process is a major separator. AMD uses a 14 nm node at GlobalFoundries with 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. Intel uses a 22 nm node with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The transistor count difference is nearly 3.5 times in AMD's favor.

Cache configurations are distinct. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 6 MB of shared L3. AMD leads at every cache level.

Memory support is a generation apart. AMD uses DDR4 on a dual-channel bus with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth and ECC support. Intel uses DDR3 on a dual-channel bus with no recorded bandwidth figure and no ECC support. The sockets differ, with AMD on Socket AM4 and Intel on Socket 1150. AMD's PCIe implementation is Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, while Intel lists only Gen 3 without lane specifics. Intel includes HD 4600 integrated graphics; AMD has none. AMD has an unlocked multiplier; Intel is locked. The Ryzen 3 1300X launched in 2017 with a $129 MSRP, while the i5-4670S launched in 2013 with no recorded price.