AMD Ryzen 5 1600X vs Intel Core i7-9700E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear and consistent pattern across the Cinebench suite, with the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X winning all six Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Ryzen 5 1600X scores 1116 against the Intel Core i7-9700E's 1069, a 4.4% advantage. The single-core result in R15 is similar: 157 versus 150, a 4.7% lead. Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD part scores 4650 multicore and 656 single-core, while the Intel part scores 4457 and 629, respectively, with the delta at 4.3% in both cases. The R23 results mirror this exactly: 11073 versus 10613 multicore and 1563 versus 1498 single-core, again a 4.3% gap. These are not marginal wins; they are consistent, repeatable margins across three generations of the Cinebench workload, indicating that the Ryzen 5 1600X holds a structural advantage in both threaded and lightly threaded rendering tasks.

The one exception to this sweep is Geekbench single-core, where the Intel Core i7-9700E posts a decisive win. The Intel chip scores 1497 against the AMD chip's 1117, a 25.4% lead. This is the single largest margin in either direction across the entire head-to-head comparison. The Geekbench multicore test, however, is a dead heat: both processors score exactly 5661, with a delta of 0%. That tie is notable because it suggests that the Ryzen 5 1600X's extra threads compensate for the Intel part's higher per-core speed in a fully threaded workload, while the Intel part's superior single-thread performance is neutralized when all cores are engaged.

Overall, the Ryzen 5 1600X wins 7 out of 8 head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Core i7-9700E wins only the Geekbench single-core test, but that win is by a wide margin. The data indicates that the Intel part is the stronger choice for lightly threaded applications, while the AMD part is the better option for heavily threaded workloads, albeit by a narrow margin in the Cinebench suite.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X uses the Zen architecture, specifically the Summit Ridge generation, built on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core i7-9700E uses the Coffee Lake architecture, specifically the Coffee Lake Refresh generation, also on a 14 nm process but at Intel's own foundry. Both are 14 nm parts, but the underlying designs diverge sharply.

The core and thread counts differ significantly. The Ryzen 5 1600X has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700E has 8 cores and 8 threads. The AMD part relies on simultaneous multithreading to double its thread count, while the Intel part runs with one thread per core. This explains the multicore parity in Geekbench: the Intel part has two additional physical cores, but the AMD part's extra 6 threads close the gap. The Ryzen 5 1600X has a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. The Core i7-9700E has a lower base clock of 2.60 GHz but a higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz. The higher boost clock helps explain the Intel part's Geekbench single-core win, while the AMD part's higher base clock contributes to its consistent Cinebench margins.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Ryzen 5 1600X has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The Core i7-9700E has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The AMD part has more cache at every level, which may contribute to its steady performance in rendering workloads. The die sizes are also different: the AMD chip measures 213 mm², while the Intel chip is smaller at 180.3 mm². The AMD part has 4,800 million transistors; the Intel part's transistor count is not recorded in the database.

Memory support is identical in bandwidth: both are dual-channel DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s. The AMD part supports ECC memory, while the Intel part does not. Both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Intel part includes integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics 630, while the AMD part has no integrated graphics. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier; the Intel one does not. The Ryzen 5 1600X uses AMD Socket AM4, while the Core i7-9700E uses Intel Socket 1151.

The Verdict

From the benchmark data alone, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X is the winner in the majority of tests. It leads in all six Cinebench benchmarks, with margins between 4.3% and 4.7%. It ties in Geekbench multicore. The Intel Core i7-9700E wins only Geekbench single-core, but by a substantial 25.4%. Users who prioritize single-thread performance, such as in certain legacy games or lightly threaded productivity apps, should select the Intel part. Users who run rendering, video encoding, or other heavily threaded workloads should select the AMD part based on its consistent Cinebench advantage.

The production status differs too: the Ryzen 5 1600X is listed as Active, while the Core i7-9700E is End-of-life. This does not affect benchmark scores but may matter for availability. The launch MSRP for the Ryzen 5 1600X was $249, and for the Core i7-9700E it was $323. The AMD part is also unlocked for overclocking, which is not available on the Intel part. The Intel part's integrated graphics are a distinct feature that the AMD part lacks.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen 5 1600X | Intel Core i7-9700E |

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

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 2.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 65 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Zen | Coffee Lake |

| Codename | Zen | Coffee Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen 5 (Zen (Summit Ridge)) | Core i7 (Coffee Lake Refresh) |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Transistors | 4,800 million | Not recorded |

| Die Size | 213 mm² | 180.3 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

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

| L3 Cache | 16 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics 630 |

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

| Release Date | 2017-04-10 | 2019-04-22 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $249 | $323 |

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-9700E is faster in single-core performance, as shown by its Geekbench single-core score of 1497 versus 1117 for the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X, a 25.4% lead.

Q: Which CPU wins in multicore rendering workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X wins in all recorded Cinebench multicore tests. It scores 1116 in R15, 4650 in R20, and 11073 in R23, versus 1069, 4457, and 10613 for the Intel Core i7-9700E, with margins of 4.4%, 4.3%, and 4.3%, respectively.

Q: Do the two CPUs have the same memory bandwidth?

A: Yes, both support dual-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s.

Q: Does either CPU support ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-9700E does not.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-9700E includes UHD Graphics 630. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the performance percentile for each CPU relative to all CPUs in the database?

A: Both CPUs are at the 53rd percentile. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X has an average benchmark score of 3249, while the Intel Core i7-9700E has an average of 3197.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X wins in every Cinebench test, which covers both multicore and single-core rendering. The margins are narrow, between 4.3% and 4.7%, but they are uniform. The AMD part also ties in Geekbench multicore at 5661. This makes it the better choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, and any workload that scales with threads. Its 12 threads, versus the Intel part's 8, give it the edge in fully threaded scenarios. The AMD part also has a higher base clock of 3.60 GHz versus 2.60 GHz, which may help in sustained all-core loads. Its unlocked multiplier is an additional advantage for users who overclock, as the Intel part is locked.

The Intel Core i7-9700E wins decisively in Geekbench single-core, scoring 1497 versus 1117. That 25.4% margin is the largest in any test. This makes it the better choice for applications that rely on a single thread, such as older games, spreadsheet calculations, or lightweight scripting workloads. Its higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz versus 4.00 GHz supports this result. The Intel part also has a lower TDP of 65 W versus 95 W, which may be relevant for system cooling and power delivery. Its integrated UHD Graphics 630 provides a display output without a discrete GPU, which the AMD part cannot do.

In summary, the data positions the Ryzen 5 1600X as the more versatile processor for threaded work, while the Core i7-9700E is the specialist for single-thread speed. The Geekbench multicore tie at exactly 5661 shows that the two are evenly matched when all cores are utilized, but the AMD part edges ahead in the Cinebench suite. Users should choose based on their primary workload: rendering favors AMD, single-thread responsiveness favors Intel.