AMD Ryzen 5 2500X vs Intel Core i7-8809G Comparison

AMD Ryzen 5 2500X and Intel Core i7-8809G are both 4-core/8-thread processors, but they target fundamentally different segments—a socketed desktop chip versus a mobile BGA part. The data shows a striking split: the AMD part wins every Cinebench test by roughly 12%, while the Intel part wins both Geekbench tests by 17-20%. With an average benchmark score of 2361 against 2307, the Ryzen 5 2500X holds a slim 2.3% overall lead, and both sit at the 48th percentile of all CPUs. The choice between them hinges on whether the workload favors Cinebench-style rendering or Geekbench's mixed integer/float patterns.

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X is the pick for rendering and sustained multi-threaded workloads. It leads by 11.9% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (810 vs 724), by 11.9% in R20 multi-core (3375 vs 3017), and by 11.8% in R23 multi-core (8036 vs 7185). The single-core Cinebench results mirror this, with the Ryzen winning R15, R20, and R23 by 11.8%, 12%, and 11.8%, respectively (114 vs 102, 476 vs 425, 1134 vs 1014). This is a consistent, across-the-board sweep in Cinebench.

The Intel Core i7-8809G is the pick for Geekbench-heavy workloads. It wins Geekbench multi-core by 16.9% (4590 vs 3813) and single-core by 19.6% (1401 vs 1126). Those are substantial margins, larger than the Ryzen's Cinebench advantages. For users whose primary benchmark is Geekbench, the Intel part is the clear winner.

Given the 6-2 win split in head-to-head tests, the Ryzen 5 2500X is the better all-rounder on aggregate score. Its average of 2361 edges out the i7-8809G's 2307, and it matches the Intel Xeon E-2226GE (2365, -0.2%) and beats the Core i5-9600 (2354, +0.3%). The i7-8809G's average sits just 0.2% above the Core i5-10400H (2303) and 0.5% below the Xeon E-2134 (2319). The Ryzen also offers an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. For a desktop user who values overclocking and Cinebench performance, the 2500X is the answer; for a mobile form factor with Geekbench priority, the 8809G holds the edge.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different foundries and nodes. The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X is built on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, using the Zen architecture (specifically Zen+ Pinnacle Ridge). It integrates 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. The Intel Core i7-8809G is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process, using the Kaby Lake architecture (Kaby Lake-G variant). Intel does not disclose transistor count or die size for this part.

Cache layouts differ notably. The Ryzen 5 2500X has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3. The i7-8809G has smaller per-core caches: 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2, but the same 8 MB shared L3. This means the AMD part has 50% more L1 and 100% more L2 per core, which may contribute to its Cinebench advantage.

The memory subsystem also differs. The Ryzen 5 2500X supports dual-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s, while the i7-8809G's memory bus and bandwidth are not specified. Both support DDR4 and neither supports ECC memory.

The i7-8809G's defining feature is its integrated Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics, a high-end iGPU. The Ryzen 5 2500X has no integrated graphics at all, requiring a discrete GPU. The Intel part is also soldered (BGA 2270 socket) and targets the mobile segment, whereas the AMD part uses the socketed AM4 platform for desktop. The Ryzen has 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only); Intel's PCIe configuration is unspecified.

Clock speeds are close but favor different workloads: the Ryzen 5 2500X runs at 3.60 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost, while the i7-8809G runs lower at 3.10 GHz base but boosts higher to 4.20 GHz. Both have a 65W TDP. The Ryzen is unlocked for overclocking; the Intel part is locked.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X wins with a score of 8036 versus 7185 for the Intel Core i7-8809G, a margin of 11.8%.

Q: Does the Intel Core i7-8809G win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins both Geekbench tests. It scores 4590 in multi-core (16.9% ahead of the Ryzen's 3813) and 1401 in single-core (19.6% ahead of the Ryzen's 1126).

Q: Which processor has more cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X has more L1 and L2 cache per core (96 KB and 512 KB, respectively) than the Intel Core i7-8809G (64 KB and 256 KB). Both have 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Can the Intel Core i7-8809G be overclocked?

A: No. The multiplier is locked on the Intel part. The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X has an unlocked multiplier, so it can be overclocked.

Q: What are the process nodes for each?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X uses a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core i7-8809G uses a 14 nm process at Intel.

Q: Do both CPUs have integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-8809G includes Radeon RX Vega M GH integrated graphics. The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X has no integrated graphics and requires a separate GPU.

Specification Differences

• Base Clock: AMD Ryzen 5 2500X at 3.60 GHz vs Intel Core i7-8809G at 3.10 GHz
• Boost Clock: AMD Ryzen 5 2500X at 4.00 GHz vs Intel Core i7-8809G at 4.20 GHz
• Socket: AMD Socket AM4 vs Intel BGA 2270
• Architecture/Codename: Zen (Pinnacle Ridge) vs Kaby Lake (Kaby Lake-G)
• Process Node: 12 nm (GlobalFoundries) vs 14 nm (Intel)
• Transistors: 4,800 million (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• Die Size: 213 mm² (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• L1 Cache: 96 KB per core (AMD) vs 64 KB per core (Intel)
• L2 Cache: 512 KB per core (AMD) vs 256 KB per core (Intel)
• Memory Bus: Dual-channel (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• Memory Bandwidth: 46.9 GB/s (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• PCIe: Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• Integrated Graphics: None (AMD) vs Radeon RX Vega M GH (Intel)
• Market Segment: Desktop (AMD) vs Mobile (Intel)
• Multiplier: Unlocked (AMD) vs Locked (Intel)
• Part Number: YD250XBBM4KAFYD250XBBAFMPK (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite is a complete sweep for the AMD Ryzen 5 2500X. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 810 against 724, a 11.9% advantage. The single-core test shows 114 versus 102, an 11.8% win. Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD part extends its lead slightly: 3375 vs 3017 in multi-core (11.9%) and 476 vs 425 in single-core (12%). Cinebench R23 repeats the pattern, with the Ryzen winning multi-core 8036 to 7185 (11.8%) and single-core 1134 to 1014 (11.8%). Across all six Cinebench tests, the margin is remarkably consistent at roughly 12%, indicating a clear architectural advantage for AMD in this workload.

The Geekbench results flip the script. The Intel Core i7-8809G wins multi-core with 4590 versus 3813, a 16.9% margin. The single-core test is even more lopsided: 1401 versus 1126, a 19.6% win for Intel. These are larger percentage leads than the AMD Cinebench wins, suggesting that the Intel part's higher 4.20 GHz boost clock and Kaby Lake architecture excel at Geekbench's specific workload mix.

The aggregate picture is close. The Ryzen 5 2500X's average benchmark score of 2361 edges out the i7-8809G's 2307. The AMD part's nearest rivals include the Xeon E-2226GE (2365, -0.2%) and Core i5-9600 (2354, +0.3%), while the Intel part's rivals include the Core i5-10400H (2303, +0.2%) and Xeon E-2134 (2319, -0.5%). Both processors sit at the 48th percentile of all CPUs. The data shows that the choice depends entirely on the benchmark: pick the Ryzen 5 2500X for Cinebench, pick the i7-8809G for Geekbench, and note that the Ryzen offers the better aggregate score and overclocking headroom.