AMD Ryzen 3 1300X vs Intel Core i5-7440HQ Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X and Intel Core i5-7440HQ are both quad-core, quad-thread processors, but they target different market segments: the Ryzen 3 is a desktop part, while the Core i5 is a mobile processor. The database records show a close average benchmark score, with the AMD part at 1562 and the Intel part at 1527, a difference of roughly 2%. However, their individual benchmark results diverge significantly across different workloads, and the head-to-head data shows the AMD part winning four of six tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-7440HQ boosts to 3.80 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X boosts to 3.70 GHz. The Intel part also has a lower base clock at 2.80 GHz compared to the AMD's 3.40 GHz.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i5-7440HQ does not. Both support dual-channel memory, but the AMD part lists DDR4 only, while the Intel part supports both DDR3 and DDR4.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i5-7440HQ includes Intel HD Graphics 630. The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: Which processor is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable. The Intel Core i5-7440HQ has a locked multiplier, so it does not support user overclocking.

Q: What is the production status of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is listed as Active, while the Intel Core i5-7440HQ is listed as End-of-life. The Intel part also has a higher launch MSRP of $250, compared to the AMD's $129.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has an average benchmark score of 1562, while the Intel Core i5-7440HQ scores 1527. The AMD part also sits at the 39th percentile of all CPUs, one point above the Intel part's 38th percentile.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split based on workload and platform. The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X wins four of the six head-to-head benchmarks, including all three Cinebench R15 and R23 single-core tests and the Geekbench multi-core test. It also has a higher average score, a lower launch MSRP, and an unlocked multiplier. For desktop users who prioritize single-threaded performance, overclocking headroom, and ECC memory support, the Ryzen 3 1300X is the stronger choice.

The Intel Core i5-7440HQ, however, wins the Cinebench R23 multi-core test by a wide margin and the Geekbench single-core test by a smaller one. It also has a lower TDP of 45W compared to the AMD's 65W, includes integrated graphics, and is designed for mobile platforms with a BGA 1440 socket. For laptop builders or users who need a self-contained processor with graphics and lower power draw, the Core i5-7440HQ is the appropriate pick, despite its higher launch MSRP and end-of-life status.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X comes in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it scores 152 against the Intel's 65, a delta of 133.8%. This is an extreme outlier in the data, and it suggests the Intel part's single-core performance in that specific test is unusually low. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD part again leads, scoring 947 versus 649, a 45.9% advantage. These results indicate that the Ryzen 3 1300X has a substantial edge in single-threaded Cinebench workloads.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD part scores 558 against the Intel's 463, a 20.5% lead. The Geekbench multi-core test also goes to the AMD part, with a score of 3126 versus 3043, a narrower 2.7% margin. These wins contribute to the AMD part's overall 4-2 head-to-head record.

The Intel Core i5-7440HQ takes the Cinebench R23 multi-core test decisively, scoring 4603 against the AMD's 3486, a 24.3% lead. This is the largest win for the Intel part and shows that in this newer multi-core benchmark, the Intel processor is significantly ahead. The Geekbench single-core test also goes to the Intel part, with a score of 1184 versus 1101, a 7% margin. These two wins are notable, but they are outweighed by the AMD part's four victories.

Specification Differences

The two processors share the same core and thread count, with 4 cores and 4 threads each. They also both use a 14 nm process node and support PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The differences begin with clock speeds: the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-7440HQ has a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Intel part boosts higher, but the AMD part has a higher base clock.

The TDP also differs, with the AMD part rated at 65W and the Intel part at 45W. The socket is another major difference: the AMD part uses AMD Socket AM4, while the Intel part uses Intel BGA 1440, which is a soldered mobile socket. The AMD part has a die size of 213 mm², while the Intel part is smaller at 126 mm². The AMD part lists 4,800 million transistors, while the Intel part does not have a transistor count in the database.

Memory support differs as well. The AMD part supports DDR4 only, with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the Intel part supports both DDR3 and DDR4, with no memory bandwidth listed. ECC memory is supported on the AMD part but not on the Intel part. The Intel part includes integrated graphics, while the AMD part does not. The market segment is Desktop for the AMD part and Mobile for the Intel part. The AMD part is Active, while the Intel part is End-of-life. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. The launch MSRP is $129 for the AMD part and $250 for the Intel part.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is built on the Zen architecture, with the codename Zen and the generation listed as Ryzen 3 (Zen (Summit Ridge)). It is manufactured by GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core i5-7440HQ is built on the Kaby Lake architecture, with the codename Kaby Lake-H and the generation listed as Core i5 (Kaby Lake-H). It is manufactured by Intel.

The cache hierarchy differs between the two. The AMD part has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has larger caches at every level.

The AMD part supports ECC memory, which is a feature not present on the Intel part. The Intel part includes integrated graphics, which the AMD part lacks. The AMD part is designed for desktop use with an AM4 socket and an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is a mobile processor with a BGA 1440 socket and a locked multiplier. The AMD part has a higher TDP of 65W, while the Intel part has a lower TDP of 45W, reflecting its mobile design.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, Cinebench R15 single-core, Cinebench R23 single-core, and Geekbench multi-core. These wins cover both older and newer Cinebench versions, as well as a multi-core Geekbench test. The single-core Cinebench results are particularly strong, with leads of 133.8% in R15 and 45.9% in R23. The AMD part also has a higher average benchmark score and a higher percentile ranking. For desktop users who run Cinebench or similar single-threaded workloads, or who need ECC memory support and overclocking capability, the Ryzen 3 1300X is the better fit.

The Intel Core i5-7440HQ wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core and Geekbench single-core. The R23 multi-core win is substantial, with a 24.3% lead, and it suggests that the Intel part handles newer multi-threaded workloads more effectively. The Geekbench single-core win is smaller, at 7%, but it still shows an advantage in that specific test. The Intel part also has a lower TDP, includes integrated graphics, and is designed for mobile platforms. For laptop users or those who need a processor with built-in graphics and lower power consumption, the Core i5-7440HQ is the appropriate choice, despite its higher launch MSRP and end-of-life status.