AMD Ryzen 5 1500X vs Intel Core i7-7920HQ Comparison

The Intel Core i7-7920HQ and AMD Ryzen 5 1500X are direct performance rivals, posting identical average benchmark scores of 1992 and holding the same 44th percentile ranking among all CPUs. Despite this overall parity, the head-to-head data reveals a clear split: the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X wins four of the six benchmark comparisons, while the Intel Core i7-7920HQ takes two decisive victories, including a massive 33.8% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core testing.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-7920HQ boosts to 4.10 GHz, which is higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X's boost clock of 3.70 GHz. However, the AMD part starts with a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz compared to Intel's 3.10 GHz.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: Both processors have an identical average benchmark score of 1992. Their nearest rival data confirms this parity, with the Intel Xeon E3-1285L v4 scoring 1991 (0.1% delta) and the Intel Xeon E-2276M scoring 1996 (-0.2% delta).

Q: Which CPU wins in single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X leads in two of the three single-core tests. It beats the Intel chip by 43.5% in Cinebench R15 single-core (154 vs 87) and by 8.3% in Cinebench R23 single-core (947 vs 868). The Intel Core i7-7920HQ wins Geekbench single-core by 12.9% (1267 vs 1122).

Q: Do these processors use the same manufacturing process?

A: Yes, both are built on a 14 nm process node, but they use different foundries. Intel fabricates its chip in-house, while AMD uses GlobalFoundries. The AMD die is significantly larger at 213 mm² compared to Intel's 126 mm².

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth support?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X has a specified memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the Intel Core i7-7920HQ has no memory bandwidth figure listed. Both support dual-channel memory, but Intel supports DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD supports only DDR4.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ does not have ECC support. This makes the AMD chip more suitable for workstation-style reliability scenarios.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split between these two CPUs is fundamental. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ uses the Kaby Lake architecture on the Kaby Lake-H codename, part of the Core i7 (Kaby Lake-H) generation. It is built by Intel on a 14 nm process with a die size of 126 mm². The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X uses the Zen architecture with the Summit Ridge codename, part of the Ryzen 5 (Zen (Summit Ridge)) generation, and is fabricated by GlobalFoundries on a 14 nm process with a much larger die size of 213 mm² and 4,800 million transistors.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Intel chip provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD chip offers larger per-core caches: 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and doubles the shared L3 to 16 MB. This larger cache hierarchy gives AMD a structural advantage in certain workloads, though benchmark results show the story is more complex.

The Intel processor includes integrated graphics with Intel HD Graphics 630, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the Intel chip a more complete mobile package, fitting its BGA 1440 socket and mobile market segment. The AMD chip targets desktops with an AM4 socket and features an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, while the Intel chip's multiplier is locked. Production status also differs: the Intel part is end-of-life, while the AMD part remains active in production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a fascinating generational split. In the older Cinebench R15 tests, the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X dominates completely. In multi-core, AMD scores 805 against Intel's 619, a 23.1% advantage. The single-core gap is even more pronounced: AMD scores 154 versus Intel's 87, a 43.5% lead. These are Intel's worst relative results in the entire comparison.

Moving to newer Cinebench R23 tests, the picture flips dramatically. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ takes the multi-core crown with a score of 6151 against AMD's 4597, representing a 33.8% lead. This is the largest single margin in either direction. In R23 single-core, AMD still wins, but the margin narrows to 8.3% (947 vs 868).

Geekbench results split the difference. AMD wins multi-core with 4326 against Intel's 3999, a 7.6% margin. Intel wins single-core with 1267 against AMD's 1122, a 12.9% margin. These results suggest that Intel's architecture scales better in certain modern workloads, while AMD's higher base clock and larger caches help in other scenarios. The overall win count stands at 4 for AMD and 2 for Intel, but the magnitude of Intel's R23 multi-core win balances the average scores at exactly 1992 for both.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and boost clock of 4.10 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X runs at 3.50 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost. Thermal design power differs significantly: Intel is rated at 45 W, AMD at 65 W.

Memory support is another key differentiator. The Intel chip supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD supports only DDR4. AMD specifies a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, a figure not listed for the Intel part. ECC memory support exists only on the AMD chip. Both use dual-channel memory buses and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The physical and platform differences are substantial. Intel uses a BGA 1440 socket designed for mobile, while AMD uses the desktop AM4 socket. Intel's die measures 126 mm² with no transistor count listed; AMD's die measures 213 mm² with 4,800 million transistors. The Intel chip has integrated graphics, the AMD chip does not. Intel's launch MSRP was $568, while AMD's was $189. The Intel chip is end-of-life and locked, while the AMD chip is active and has an unlocked multiplier. Release dates differ by about three months: Intel launched January 2017, AMD launched April 2017.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear verdict: pick the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X for general-purpose computing and legacy benchmark performance, but choose the Intel Core i7-7920HQ for modern multi-threaded workloads. The AMD chip wins four of six head-to-head tests, including decisive victories in Cinebench R15 multi-core (23.1% ahead) and single-core (43.5% ahead). It also wins Geekbench multi-core by 7.6% and Cinebench R23 single-core by 8.3%.

However, the Intel chip's 33.8% victory in Cinebench R23 multi-core is the single most significant margin in the entire comparison, and its 12.9% win in Geekbench single-core shows it is not universally slower. The identical average scores of 1992 and matching 44th percentile rankings confirm that neither chip is objectively superior overall.

For mobile users, the Intel chip's integrated graphics and lower 45 W TDP make it functionally necessary in laptops, while AMD's 65 W desktop part requires a discrete GPU. The AMD chip's active production status and unlocked multiplier offer long-term flexibility, while the Intel part is end-of-life. If you prioritize modern rendering workloads, the Intel chip's R23 performance is compelling. If you need consistent performance across diverse tests, the AMD chip's broader win record is persuasive.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen 5 1500X wins in:

• Cinebench R15 multi-core: 805 vs 619, a 23.1% advantage
• Cinebench R15 single-core: 154 vs 87, a 43.5% advantage
• Cinebench R23 single-core: 947 vs 868, an 8.3% advantage
• Geekbench multi-core: 4326 vs 3999, a 7.6% advantage
• ECC memory support and unlocked multiplier for overclocking
• Larger L3 cache at 16 MB shared versus Intel's 8 MB

Intel Core i7-7920HQ wins in:

• Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6151 vs 4597, a 33.8% advantage
• Geekbench single-core: 1267 vs 1122, a 12.9% advantage
• Lower TDP at 45 W versus 65 W, making it more power-efficient
• Integrated graphics, providing a complete package without a discrete GPU
• Higher boost clock at 4.10 GHz versus 3.70 GHz

The use-case split is stark. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X suits desktop builds requiring ECC memory, overclocking headroom, and solid performance across older and newer benchmarks. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ fits mobile platforms where integrated graphics, lower power consumption, and superior modern multi-core rendering matter most. The Intel chip's R23 multi-core dominance suggests it handles contemporary content-creation tasks better, while the AMD chip's R15 and single-core wins indicate broader legacy application compatibility.