AMD Ryzen 3 4300G vs Intel Core i5-10400F Comparison

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-10400F is the superior processor for almost every computational task, winning 16 of the 17 head-to-head comparisons against the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G. The AMD chip’s single victory is a dramatic one, but it cannot offset the Intel processor’s overwhelming lead in multi-threaded, single-threaded, and math-oriented workloads. The data shows a clear hierarchy, with the i5-10400F establishing itself as the higher-performing part, despite the Ryzen’s more modern manufacturing process.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-10400F dominates the Cinebench suite, a staple for measuring both multi-core and single-core rendering performance. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 10,283 versus the Ryzen 3 4300G’s 8,387, a lead of 18.4%. This pattern is consistent across the board: in Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Intel chip scores 4,318 against 3,522, and in R15 multi-core, it posts 1,036 against 845. The single-core results are equally decisive, with the i5-10400F leading by 18.4% in R23 (1,451 vs 1,184) and by 18.5% in R15 (146 vs 119). These are not marginal wins; they represent a substantial performance gulf in both lightly-threaded and heavily-threaded workloads.

The gap widens further in PassMark’s math and physics tests. In floating-point math, the Intel chip scores 25,956, which is 32.3% ahead of the AMD’s 17,577. Integer math shows a similar story: 41,471 for Intel versus 29,737 for AMD, a 28.3% difference. The physics test is particularly lopsided, with the i5-10400F scoring 696 compared to the Ryzen’s 454, a 34.8% advantage. Even in data compression, a test that often favors more cores, the Intel part wins decisively with 185,944 against 137,681, a 26% lead. The only category where the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G shines is data encryption, where it scores 8,176, an extraordinary 99.4% higher than the Intel’s 4,100. This is a massive, outlier result that suggests a specific architectural strength, but it stands alone.

The single-threaded tests are the closest contests, yet the Intel chip still wins. In PassMark single-thread, the i5-10400F scores 2,541 versus the Ryzen’s 2,425, a modest 4.6% advantage. This indicates that while the Intel chip’s higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz helps, the AMD’s Zen 2 architecture is competitive on a per-core basis. However, this closeness does not extend to other workloads: in extended instructions, Intel leads by 26.8% (12,500 vs 9,148), and in random string sorting, the margin expands to 37.4% (23,185 vs 14,503). The overall average benchmark score reflects this dominance: 14,185 for the Intel versus 14,503 for the AMD, a difference of roughly 2.2% in favor of the Ryzen, driven almost entirely by that single encryption result.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G uses the Zen 2 architecture on a 7 nm process, manufactured by TSMC, packing 9,800 million transistors into a 156 mm² die. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-10400F uses the older Comet Lake architecture on a 14 nm process from Intel’s own fabs. This process node difference is significant, as the 7 nm node allows for greater transistor density and power efficiency, though the benchmark results show it does not translate into a performance advantage here.

The core configurations differ sharply. The AMD offers 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel provides 6 cores and 12 threads. This 50% advantage in cores and threads is the primary driver behind the Intel’s multi-core wins. Cache hierarchies also differ: the AMD has 512 KB of L2 cache per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel has 256 KB of L2 per core but a much larger 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core. The larger L3 cache on the Intel part likely contributes to its performance in data-heavy tasks like compression and sorting.

Other notable differences include the integrated graphics, where the AMD includes a Radeon Vega 6 iGPU, while the Intel has none (hence the “F” suffix). The AMD’s memory bandwidth is rated at 51.2 GB/s, which is higher than the Intel’s 42.7 GB/s, both using dual-channel DDR4. The AMD also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking, whereas the Intel is locked. Both support PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes. The AMD uses the AM4 socket, while the Intel uses Socket 1200, meaning they are not platform-compatible. The Intel chip was released on 2020-04-29, while the AMD followed on 2020-07-20.

The Verdict

The data is clear: the Intel Core i5-10400F is the better processor for users who prioritize raw performance in most applications. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration delivers a commanding lead in multi-threaded workloads, and its higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz secures wins in single-threaded tests as well. The Intel chip is the choice for anyone running CPU-intensive tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, or scientific computing, where its 18-35% leads in Cinebench and PassMark tests will translate directly into faster completion times.

The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G is not without merit, but its appeal is narrower. Its sole benchmark win in data encryption (99.4% ahead) suggests a specialized strength that could benefit specific security or data-processing applications. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Radeon Vega 6 integrated GPU means it can run a system without a discrete graphics card, which the Intel cannot do. For a basic office PC or a media center where the iGPU suffices, the Ryzen is a functional choice. However, for any performance-oriented task, the Intel’s superior core count and clock speeds make it the definitive winner. The percentile rankings confirm this: the Intel sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD is at the 69th, indicating they are in a similar overall class, but the benchmark deltas show the Intel is consistently ahead in the tests that matter most for heavy workloads.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 3 4300G | Intel Core i5-10400F |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 3.80 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 1200 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Comet Lake |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 6 | None |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | 100-000000144 | SRH3DSRH79 |

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-10400F wins all multi-core Cinebench tests by 18.4%. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 10,283 versus the AMD's 8,387. The PassMark multithread test also favors the Intel, with a score of 12,115 versus 9,849.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G better at anything?

A: Yes, it wins the PassMark data encryption test decisively, scoring 8,176 against the Intel's 4,100, a 99.4% difference. It also has a higher average benchmark score of 14,503 compared to the Intel's 14,185, though this is largely due to that single encryption result.

Q: Do these CPUs have integrated graphics?

A: No, they do not perform equally here. The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G features a Radeon Vega 6 integrated GPU. The Intel Core i5-10400F has no integrated graphics, meaning a discrete graphics card is required for any display output.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core i5-10400F has 6 cores and 12 threads, giving it a 50% advantage in both metrics.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-10400F has a higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz, compared to the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G's 4.00 GHz. This contributes to the Intel's lead in single-threaded tests, where it wins by 4.6% in PassMark.

Q: Can either CPU be overclocked?

A: Only the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking. The Intel Core i5-10400F has a locked multiplier and cannot be overclocked in the traditional sense.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-10400F is the unequivocal winner for users running heavily multi-threaded applications. Its 6-core, 12-thread design provides a massive advantage in video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation, as evidenced by its consistent 18.4% lead across all Cinebench multi-core tests. It also excels in scientific and engineering tasks that rely on floating-point or integer math, where it leads by 32.3% and 28.3%, respectively. For gamers who pair their CPU with a discrete GPU, the Intel’s superior single-thread score (2,541 vs 2,425) and higher boost clock make it the better choice for frame rate consistency, even if the margin is smaller.

The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G has a much more limited set of advantages. Its 99.4% lead in data encryption makes it a specialized tool for encryption-heavy workloads, such as secure file storage or VPN servers. Its integrated Radeon Vega 6 GPU is its other key differentiator, enabling a fully functional PC without a dedicated graphics card. This makes it a viable option for basic productivity, web browsing, and media playback in a low-cost or low-power system. However, its 4-core, 8-thread configuration and lower boost clock put it at a significant disadvantage in any performance-intensive scenario, making the Intel Core i5-10400F the default recommendation for any user who needs consistent, high-level compute performance.