AMD Ryzen 3 5300G vs Intel Core i5-11400T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11400T and AMD Ryzen 3 5300G are nearly identical in aggregate performance, with the Intel part holding a razor-thin 0.2% lead in average benchmark score (3309 vs 3303). Both sit at the 54th percentile of all CPUs, making them closely matched mid-range options. The data reveals a clear split: the i5-11400T dominates multi-threaded workloads across every Cinebench test, while the Ryzen 3 5300G posts a decisive win in Geekbench single-core. These are not chips for the same buyer, despite their similar overall scores.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-11400T is the multi-core workhorse of this pairing. It wins 7 of the 8 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with its largest advantage coming in Geekbench multi-core, where it scores 5591 against the Ryzen’s 5467, a 2.3% margin. Across the Cinebench suite, the Intel chip consistently edges ahead: 1120 vs 1114 in R15 multi-core, 4667 vs 4645 in R20 multi-core, and 11113 vs 11060 in R23 multi-core. Each of those wins is a modest 0.5% delta, but the consistency matters. For rendering, video encoding, or any heavily threaded task, the i5-11400T’s two extra physical cores (6 vs 4) and four extra threads (12 vs 8) translate into a steady, if small, advantage.

The AMD Ryzen 3 5300G takes the single-core crown, but only in Geekbench. Its score of 1768 beats the Intel’s 1597 by a substantial 9.7% — the largest delta in either direction across all tests. Interestingly, in Cinebench single-core tests, the two chips are essentially tied: both score 157 in R15, and the Intel leads by just 0.5% in both R20 (658 vs 655) and R23 (1569 vs 1561). So the Ryzen’s single-core win is specific to Geekbench’s workload, not a universal strength. The 5300G also carries a much higher base clock (4.00 GHz vs 1.30 GHz) and boost clock (4.20 GHz vs 3.70 GHz), which helps explain its Geekbench performance.

Architecture Differences

This is a clash of two very different design philosophies. The Intel Core i5-11400T uses Rocket Lake architecture, built on Intel’s 14 nm process with a die size of 276 mm². It features 6 cores and 12 threads, with 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 12 MB L3 cache. It supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, and its integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730. The chip is end-of-life, launched on 2021-03-15, and is not multiplier-unlocked.

The AMD Ryzen 3 5300G uses Zen 3 architecture (codename Cezanne), built on TSMC’s 7 nm process with a much smaller 180 mm² die. It packs 10,700 million transistors, compared to Intel’s unspecified count. The Ryzen has 4 cores and 8 threads, with 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a smaller 8 MB shared L3. It is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, but includes Radeon Vega 6 integrated graphics. The 5300G is active in production, launched on 2021-04-12, and is multiplier-unlocked, which opens overclocking possibilities that the Intel chip lacks.

The process node difference is stark: 14 nm vs 7 nm. That explains the Ryzen’s superior clock speeds and efficiency, but the Intel chip compensates with more cores and a larger L3 cache. The memory support is identical — both use dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth — and neither supports ECC memory. The socket situation is a major divider: Intel Socket 1200 for the i5, AMD Socket AM4 for the Ryzen, meaning platform choice is dictated by motherboard compatibility.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel i5-11400T sweeps the Cinebench multi-core tests, but the margins are never large. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1120 against 1114, a 0.5% win. R20 multi-core shows 4667 vs 4645, again 0.5%. R23 multi-core follows the same pattern: 11113 vs 11060, a 0.5% edge. The Geekbench multi-core result is the Intel’s biggest victory: 5591 vs 5467, a 2.3% gap. These results suggest that the i5’s extra two cores provide a real but modest benefit in threaded workloads, roughly 0.5-2.3% depending on the test.

Single-core results are more nuanced. In Cinebench R15 single-core, both chips score exactly 157, a perfect tie. The Intel wins R20 single-core by 0.5% (658 vs 655) and R23 single-core by 0.5% (1569 vs 1561). But in Geekbench single-core, the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G dominates with 1768 vs 1597, a 9.7% lead. This is the only test the AMD chip wins, and it does so decisively. The discrepancy between Cinebench and Geekbench single-core results is notable — the Ryzen’s higher clocks (4.20 GHz boost vs 3.70 GHz) should favor it, yet Cinebench shows a tie or slight Intel lead. Geekbench likely stresses different instruction paths or memory access patterns that favor Zen 3’s architecture.

The overall benchmark averages confirm the closeness: Intel’s average is 3309, AMD’s is 3303, a 0.2% difference. The nearest rivals list reinforces that these chips sit in a crowded pack: the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 also scores 3303, and the Intel Core i5-11500T scores 3288. Neither chip is a standout; they are both solid mid-range performers.

Specification Differences

The table below highlights only the fields where the two CPUs differ, based on the data.

| Specification | Intel Core i5-11400T | AMD Ryzen 3 5300G |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 1.30 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Zen 3 |

| Codename | Rocket Lake | Cezanne |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 7 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not specified | 10,700 million |

| Die Size | 276 mm² | 180 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 8 MB |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Radeon Vega 6 |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2021-03-15 | 2021-04-12 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SRKP2 | 100-000000253 |

The TDP difference is significant: the Intel chip runs at 35 W, the AMD at 65 W. That makes the i5-11400T suited for low-power or compact builds, while the Ryzen demands more cooling headroom. The Intel also supports newer PCIe Gen 4, but with more lanes (20 vs 16). The AMD chip has a much smaller die and uses a more advanced process, which likely contributes to its higher clocks despite the higher TDP.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G win any benchmark?

A: Yes, it wins Geekbench single-core with a score of 1768, beating the Intel’s 1597 by 9.7%. It loses all other head-to-head tests.

Q: What is the performance difference in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T scores 11113, and the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G scores 11060, giving the Intel a 0.5% lead.

Q: Are the two chips in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes, both are at the 54th percentile of all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores differ by only 0.2% (3309 vs 3303).

Q: Which CPU supports PCIe Gen 4?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G overclockable?

A: Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Core i5-11400T does not.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear decision framework. If you need maximum multi-threaded performance, the Intel Core i5-11400T is the pick. It wins every multi-core test, with its best showing being a 2.3% lead in Geekbench multi-core. The extra two cores and four threads are the reason, and they deliver consistent, if small, wins across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. The Intel chip also offers PCIe Gen 4 support and a much lower 35 W TDP, making it the better choice for power-constrained or small-form-factor systems. Its end-of-life status is a caveat, but for a builder focused on threaded workloads, it is the superior part.

If you prioritize single-core performance in Geekbench, the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G is the answer. Its 1768 score is a 9.7% margin over the Intel, which is the largest delta in any test. However, that advantage does not carry over to Cinebench single-core tests, where the two are tied or the Intel leads by 0.5%. The Ryzen also has a higher base clock (4.00 GHz vs 1.30 GHz) and boost clock (4.20 GHz vs 3.70 GHz), and it is multiplier-unlocked for overclocking. It is also an active product, whereas the Intel is end-of-life. The trade-off is a higher 65 W TDP and fewer cores, which caps its multi-threaded potential.

For most builders, the decision hinges on workload. Rendering, video editing, or running virtual machines favors the i5-11400T. General desktop responsiveness, or workloads that are light on threads but sensitive to Geekbench-style performance, favor the Ryzen 3 5300G. The 0.2% average score difference means either chip will feel similar in everyday use, so platform preference — Intel Socket 1200 vs AMD Socket AM4 — and power budget should ultimately guide the choice. The Intel wins the majority of benchmarks, but the AMD wins the single most lopsided contest.