AMD Ryzen 5 1400 vs Intel Core i7-2700K Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a split decision, with each processor claiming victory in different workloads. The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 wins three of the four head-to-head tests, but the Intel Core i7-2700K takes the most decisive single win. The most dramatic margin belongs to the Ryzen 5 1400 in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it scores 133.75 against the i7-2700K’s 68 — a 49.2% advantage. That is not a marginal gap; it represents a generational leap in per-thread performance.

The Ryzen 5 1400 also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core, posting 688 points versus 486 for the Intel part, a 29.4% lead. This result is notable because both processors feature 4 cores and 8 threads, yet the newer AMD architecture extracts substantially more throughput in this test. The single-core delta in R15 is even larger in percentage terms than the multi-core delta, meaning the Ryzen’s advantage is not merely about core scaling but about fundamental IPC superiority.

However, the Intel Core i7-2700K strikes back in Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 4833 against 3985 for the Ryzen 5 1400 — a 21.3% win for Intel. This reversal is striking. The R23 multi-core test is far more demanding than R15, and the older Sandy Bridge design manages to outperform the newer Zen architecture under that sustained load. The data suggests the i7-2700K’s higher base clock of 3.50 GHz and boost clock of 3.90 GHz, compared to 3.20 GHz and 3.40 GHz for the Ryzen, allow it to maintain better long-run throughput in this specific benchmark.

In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Ryzen 5 1400 regains the lead, scoring 832 versus 682 for Intel, an 18% margin. This continues the pattern established in R15: the AMD part wins every single-core comparison. Across both Cinebench versions, the Ryzen’s single-core advantage ranges from 18% to 49.2%, while the multi-core picture is mixed — Intel wins the newer, heavier R23 test, AMD wins the older R15 test.

The overall win tally stands at 3 for the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 and 1 for the Intel Core i7-2700K. Yet the single Intel victory is the largest absolute score gap in any multi-core test, with a 848-point difference in R23. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical — 1419 for Intel and 1410 for AMD — which places both processors at the 37th percentile among all CPUs. The nearest rivals for Intel include the AMD Opteron 4274 HE (delta 0%), Intel Core i7-3720QM (delta -0.1%), and Intel Core i7-3840QM (delta 0.2%). The Ryzen 5 1400’s nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-4460 (delta -0.3%) and AMD Ryzen 7 2700U (delta -0.4%). These percentile and rival data confirm that despite their architectural differences, the two processors occupy the same performance tier on average.

The Verdict

Based strictly on benchmark results, the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 is the better overall processor. It wins three of four head-to-head tests, including every single-core benchmark, and its average score of 1410 is within 0.6% of the Intel’s 1419 while consuming less power (65W TDP versus 95W). The Ryzen’s single-core dominance — 49.2% in R15 and 18% in R23 — is the decisive factor for most workloads. If your tasks rely heavily on single-threaded performance, the choice is clear: the Ryzen 5 1400 delivers 832 points in R23 single-core versus 682 for Intel.

The Intel Core i7-2700K is the pick only if your primary workload is the specific Cinebench R23 multi-core test, where it wins by 21.3%. That is a substantial margin, but it is isolated to one benchmark. In the older R15 multi-core test, the Ryzen leads by 29.4%. The data does not support a general recommendation for Intel based on multi-core performance; it merely shows that Intel wins one specific test. For users running a mix of applications, the Ryzen 5 1400 offers more consistent wins across the benchmark suite.

The production status further favors AMD: the Ryzen 5 1400 is listed as Active, while the i7-2700K is End-of-life. The Ryzen also supports ECC memory, which the Intel does not. Both processors have unlocked multipliers, so overclocking potential exists on both sides, but the Ryzen’s newer platform (Socket AM4 versus Intel Socket 1155) provides a more modern foundation. The verdict is straightforward: the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 wins on benchmark breadth and platform longevity.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 wins in every single-core scenario. Its Cinebench R15 single-core score of 133.75 is nearly double the Intel’s 68, and its R23 single-core score of 832 beats 682. This makes it the superior choice for lightly-threaded applications, legacy software that uses one or two threads, and any workload where per-thread responsiveness matters. The Ryzen also wins the Cinebench R15 multi-core test with 688 points versus 486, suggesting it handles older multi-threaded workloads more efficiently.

The Intel Core i7-2700K wins specifically in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 4833 versus 3985. This is the only test where Intel leads, but the margin is significant at 21.3%. If your workflow involves the latest Cinebench version with heavy multi-threading, the Intel part holds an advantage. The i7-2700K also has a higher boost clock (3.90 GHz versus 3.40 GHz) and a higher base clock (3.50 GHz versus 3.20 GHz), which may explain its R23 multi-core performance. However, these clock advantages do not translate into wins in any other benchmark.

For memory bandwidth-sensitive tasks, the Ryzen 5 1400 has a clear edge on paper: 42.7 GB/s versus 21.3 GB/s for Intel. This is a 100% difference in theoretical memory bandwidth, though no benchmark in the data directly tests this. The Ryzen also supports DDR4 memory versus DDR3 for Intel, which contributes to the higher bandwidth figure. The Ryzen’s PCIe Gen 3 interface (16 lanes) versus Intel’s Gen 2 (16 lanes) further favors the newer platform for expansion cards and NVMe storage.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-2700K has an average benchmark score of 1419, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 scores 1410. The difference is only 9 points, placing both at the 37th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap?

A: In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 scores 133.75 against 68 for Intel, a 49.2% lead. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Ryzen scores 832 versus 682, an 18% lead.

Q: Does the Intel processor win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i7-2700K wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with 4833 points versus 3985 for the Ryzen 5 1400, a 21.3% margin. This is the only head-to-head test Intel wins.

Q: What are the TDP values for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-2700K has a TDP of 95W, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has a TDP of 65W. The AMD part consumes less power.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-2700K does not.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, exactly double the Intel Core i7-2700K’s 21.3 GB/s.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design eras. The Intel Core i7-2700K uses the Sandy Bridge architecture on a 32 nm process node, manufactured by Intel with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 uses the Zen architecture (codename Zen) on a 14 nm process node, manufactured by GlobalFoundries with 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. The transistor count difference is substantial — AMD packs over four times as many transistors into a slightly smaller die.

Cache layouts differ significantly. The Intel part has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, also with 8 MB of shared L3. The AMD design provides 50% more L1 and 100% more L2 per core, which contributes to its single-core performance advantage.

Memory architecture is another major split. The Intel i7-2700K supports DDR3 memory with dual-channel configuration, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 supports DDR4 with dual-channel. The Ryzen’s memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s versus 21.3 GB/s for Intel. The AMD processor also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from Intel. PCIe capabilities differ as well: Intel uses Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while AMD uses Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

The Intel part includes integrated graphics (Intel HD 3000), while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has no integrated graphics. This means the Intel processor can run without a discrete GPU, whereas the AMD requires a separate graphics card. The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 belongs to the 1000 series (Zen Summit Ridge) and is part of the Ryzen 5 generation, while the Intel is a Core i7 from the Sandy Bridge generation.

Specification Differences

The most obvious specification difference is clock speed. The Intel Core i7-2700K has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1400 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 3.40 GHz. Intel runs 0.30 GHz higher at base and 0.50 GHz higher at boost. TDP also differs: Intel draws 95W, AMD draws 65W.

Memory support is a critical differentiator. Intel uses DDR3, AMD uses DDR4. Memory bandwidth is 21.3 GB/s for Intel versus 42.7 GB/s for AMD. ECC memory support: AMD yes, Intel no. PCIe generation: Intel Gen 2, AMD Gen 3, both with 16 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics: Intel includes Intel HD 3000, AMD has none. Sockets differ: Intel uses Socket 1155, AMD uses Socket AM4. Process node: Intel 32 nm, AMD 14 nm. Foundry: Intel for the i7-2700K, GlobalFoundries for the Ryzen 5 1400. Transistors: 1,160 million for Intel, 4,800 million for AMD. Die size: 216 mm² for Intel, 213 mm² for AMD — nearly identical despite the transistor count difference.

Cache specifications per core: Intel L1 is 64 KB, L2 is 256 KB; AMD L1 is 96 KB, L2 is 512 KB. Both have 8 MB of shared L3. Production status: Intel is End-of-life, AMD is Active. Release dates: Intel launched on 2011-10-23, AMD on 2017-04-10. Launch MSRP: Intel $332, AMD $169. Both have unlocked multipliers. Part numbers: Intel SR0DG, AMD YD1400BBM4KAEYD1400BBAEBOX.