AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G vs Intel Core i5-4690K Comparison

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G vs Intel Core i5-4690K

The benchmark database records a decisive result for this pairing. Across six Cinebench tests, the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G wins every single one, with a consistent performance margin of roughly 17.5 percent over the Intel Core i5-4690K. The data shows a clear generational shift in CPU architecture, where a 2018 processor with a lower thermal envelope outperforms a 2014 enthusiast-class chip in every measured workload. Both processors have 4 cores and 4 threads, but the execution efficiency and memory bandwidth of the newer design deliver superior scores across the board.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench R15 multicore test opens the comparison with the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G scoring 571 points against the Intel Core i5-4690K's 486 points. That is a 17.5 percent advantage for AMD. The single-core R15 result follows a similar pattern: 80 points versus 68 points, a 17.6 percent edge. These are not marginal differences; they represent a consistent architectural lead in both lightly threaded and fully threaded rendering tasks.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD processor scores 2382 multicore and 336 single-core, while Intel manages 2027 multicore and 286 single-core. Again, the delta sits at 17.5 percent for both tests. The R23 results continue the trend: AMD reaches 5672 multicore and 800 single-core, compared to Intel's 4828 and 681. The 17.5 percent gap remains constant across every generation of the Cinebench suite, indicating that the performance difference is structural rather than workload-specific.

The Intel Core i5-4690K does hold a higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz versus AMD's 3.70 GHz, yet that frequency advantage does not translate into benchmark wins. The recorded data shows AMD leading by the same 17.5 percent margin in every test, which suggests that the Ryzen architecture's instruction efficiency and memory subsystem overcome the clock deficit. The Intel chip also shows a 0 wins count in the head-to-head data, with all six tests awarded to AMD.

Architecturally, the AMD processor's 46.9 GB/s memory bandwidth is substantially higher than Intel's 25.6 GB/s. This bandwidth advantage likely explains the consistent multicore wins, as rendering workloads often scale with memory throughput. The single-core wins, though smaller in absolute point difference, still show a 17.5 to 17.6 percent lead, which points to better per-clock execution rather than just memory effects.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different eras and fabs. AMD uses a 14 nm process node built by GlobalFoundries, while Intel uses a 22 nm node from its own fabs. The AMD chip packs 4,950 million transistors on a 210 mm² die, whereas the Intel chip contains 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. This density difference is substantial and reflects the newer manufacturing technology.

AMD's architecture is Zen, with the codename Raven Ridge, part of the Ryzen 3 generation. Intel's architecture is Haswell, with the same codename, part of the Core i5 generation. The cache layouts differ notably. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 4 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, but doubles the shared L3 to 6 MB. Despite Intel's larger L3 pool, AMD's benchmark results remain superior.

Memory support separates the two clearly. AMD uses DDR4 with dual-channel configuration and a 46.9 GB/s bandwidth rating. Intel uses DDR3, also dual-channel, but with a 25.6 GB/s bandwidth. This doubling of theoretical bandwidth is supported by the benchmark outcomes. AMD also supports ECC memory, while Intel does not. The PCIe configurations differ as well: AMD offers Gen 3 with 8 lanes from the CPU, while Intel offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This gives Intel an advantage for expansion, but it does not appear in CPU compute benchmarks.

The integrated graphics differ substantially. AMD includes Radeon Vega 8, while Intel includes HD 4600. The database does not record graphics benchmark scores for these chips, but the presence of a newer Vega-based iGPU suggests a different capability profile. The thermal design points tell a stark story: AMD is rated at 35 W TDP, while Intel is rated at 88 W TDP. AMD delivers higher benchmark scores while consuming less than half the thermal envelope, a clear efficiency gain from the newer process node.

Production status also differs. AMD lists as "Active" with a release date of May 2018, while Intel lists as "End-of-life" with a release date of June 2014. The Intel chip is older by four years and no longer in production. AMD also has a locked multiplier, while Intel's is unlocked, meaning the Intel chip can be overclocked for additional performance beyond stock settings. However, the recorded benchmark data reflects stock configurations only.

The Verdict

The data directs a straightforward choice. The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G wins all six benchmark comparisons and delivers a 17.5 percent performance advantage in both single-core and multi-core workloads. It does so with a 35 W TDP versus Intel's 88 W TDP, meaning lower thermal requirements and potentially quieter or smaller cooling solutions. The AMD chip also supports DDR4 memory with nearly double the bandwidth, which future-proofs the platform relative to Intel's DDR3 requirement.

The Intel Core i5-4690K retains a few structural advantages from the recorded data. It has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes versus AMD's 8, and a larger 6 MB shared L3 cache. Its launch MSRP was $243. For users already invested in the Socket 1150 platform with DDR3 memory, the Intel chip could still serve as a drop-in upgrade. But for any new build, the AMD processor offers higher stock performance, lower power draw, and a newer memory standard.

The percentile ranking versus all CPUs is identical at 40 for both, meaning they occupy the same tier in the overall performance distribution. The average benchmark scores are close: AMD at 1640 and Intel at 1682. The nearest rivals for AMD include the AMD Opteron 6380 at 1643, Intel Core i7-5700HQ at 1645, and Intel Core i5-5675R at 1648, all within a half percent. Intel's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon D-1528 at 1677, Intel Core i7-5850HQ at 1688, and Intel Core i7-3770K at 1688. These rival scores confirm that both chips sit in the same performance class, but the head-to-head tests show AMD consistently ahead.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on every major specification except core count and base clock. Both have 4 cores and 4 threads, and both run at a 3.50 GHz base clock. From there, the differences stack up.

The boost clock is 3.70 GHz for AMD and 3.90 GHz for Intel, a 0.20 GHz advantage for Intel. Thermal design power is 35 W for AMD and 88 W for Intel, a 53 W advantage for AMD. The sockets are incompatible: AMD uses Socket AM4, Intel uses Socket 1150. The process node is 14 nm for AMD and 22 nm for Intel. Transistor counts are 4,950 million for AMD and 1,400 million for Intel. Die sizes are 210 mm² for AMD and 177 mm² for Intel.

Cache configurations differ per level. L1 is 96 KB per core for AMD and 64 KB per core for Intel. L2 is 512 KB per core for AMD and 256 KB per core for Intel. L3 is 4 MB shared for AMD and 6 MB shared for Intel. Memory support is DDR4 for AMD and DDR3 for Intel, both dual-channel, but with bandwidths of 46.9 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s. ECC support is present on AMD and absent on Intel. PCIe lanes are 8 for AMD and 16 for Intel, both Gen 3. Integrated graphics are Radeon Vega 8 for AMD and Intel HD 4600 for Intel. The multiplier is locked on AMD and unlocked on Intel. Production status is Active for AMD and End-of-life for Intel. Release dates are May 2018 for AMD and June 2014 for Intel.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher multi-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G. In Cinebench R23 multicore, AMD scores 5672 versus Intel's 4828, a 17.5 percent advantage. The same margin appears in R15 and R20 multicore tests.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-4690K win any benchmark?

A: No. The head-to-head data records 6 wins for AMD and 0 wins for Intel across all Cinebench tests.

Q: How does the power consumption compare?

A: AMD has a TDP of 35 W, while Intel has a TDP of 88 W. AMD delivers higher benchmark scores with less than half the thermal rating.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: AMD supports DDR4 with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s. Intel supports DDR3 with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.

Q: Can the Intel chip be overclocked?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i5-4690K has an unlocked multiplier. The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G has a locked multiplier.

Q: What is the release date difference?

A: AMD was released on May 9, 2018. Intel was released on June 1, 2014. Intel is also listed as end-of-life, while AMD remains active.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G wins every recorded benchmark, so its strengths dominate the comparison. The data shows AMD ahead by 17.5 percent in multicore rendering and 17.5 to 17.6 percent in single-core rendering. This makes AMD the clear choice for CPU-bound rendering tasks, from Cinebench-style workloads to any similar multi-threaded application. The 35 W TDP also gives AMD a substantial efficiency advantage, making it suitable for systems where cooling and power budgets are constrained. The DDR4 memory support and higher bandwidth position AMD better for memory-intensive workloads.

The Intel Core i5-4690K does not win any benchmark, but the specification data reveals areas where it could still be preferred. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, which could narrow the benchmark gap in enthusiast hands, though the recorded data reflects stock settings only. The 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU provide more expansion bandwidth for graphics cards or other add-in devices. The 6 MB shared L3 cache is larger than AMD's 4 MB, which may help in certain cache-sensitive applications, though the benchmark data does not show this translating into wins. The launch MSRP of $243 provides historical context for its original market position.

The nearest rival data places both processors in the same performance tier. AMD's average score of 1640 sits within 0.5 percent of the Opteron 6380, Core i7-5700HQ, and Core i5-5675R. Intel's average score of 1682 sits within 0.5 percent of the Xeon D-1528, Core i7-5850HQ, and Core i7-3770K. The overall percentile for both is 40, meaning they outperform 40 percent of all CPUs in the database. This parity in class underscores that the head-to-head result is not a case of one chip being in a higher tier, but rather two similar-tier chips where the newer architecture consistently wins.

For users prioritizing raw benchmark performance, energy efficiency, and modern memory support, the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G is the choice indicated by the data. For users with an existing Socket 1150 platform, DDR3 memory, and an interest in overclocking, the Intel Core i5-4690K remains a functional option, but the recorded benchmarks show it trailing in every measured task.