AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE vs Intel Core i7-8559U Comparison

The Intel Core i7-8559U and AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, but they target different platforms and design philosophies. The benchmark data shows a consistent pattern: the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE leads in every single head-to-head test, though the margins are relatively narrow. This analysis breaks down the performance data, architectural choices, and practical implications for each processor based solely on the provided facts.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE wins all six benchmark comparisons. In Cinebench R15, the AMD chip scores 757 in multi-core versus the Intel’s 703, a 7.1% deficit for the i7-8559U. The single-core test in R15 shows a similar story, with AMD posting 106 against Intel’s 99, a 6.6% gap. Moving to Cinebench R20, the Ryzen 5 3400GE again takes the multi-core crown at 3158 versus 2933, and the single-core result is 445 against 414 — both representing a 7% to 7.1% advantage for AMD. The trend holds in Cinebench R23, where the AMD part scores 7520 in multi-core and 1061 in single-core, while the Intel chip manages 6984 and 986 respectively, again a 7.1% difference.

What does this consistency mean? It suggests the Ryzen 5 3400GE has a fundamental performance edge that scales across different workload intensities and software versions. The margins are not massive — hovering around 7% — but they are uniform. For a builder choosing between these two, the data indicates that the AMD processor will deliver slightly better rendering performance in Cinebench-style workloads, whether you are hammering all cores or relying on a single thread. The Intel chip’s higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz compared to AMD’s 4.00 GHz does not translate into a win in these tests, which is a notable finding. The i7-8559U’s lower base clock of 2.70 GHz versus 3.30 GHz for the Ryzen likely contributes to the gap, especially in sustained workloads.

It is also worth noting the average benchmark scores. The Intel i7-8559U has an average score of 2225, while the Ryzen 5 3400GE sits at 2175. This is an interesting inversion: despite losing every head-to-head test, the Intel part has a higher average score. That discrepancy stems from the fact that the Intel chip includes Geekbench results in its average, while the AMD part does not have Geekbench scores listed in the fact pack. The Intel scores 4293 in Geekbench multi-core and 1384 in single-core, which boosts its average. When comparing only the shared Cinebench tests, AMD is clearly ahead, but the overall average paints a more nuanced picture. Both chips sit at the 47th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they are mid-pack performers overall.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE wins all multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 757 in R15, 3158 in R20, and 7520 in R23, while the Intel Core i7-8559U scores 703, 2933, and 6984 respectively. The AMD chip maintains a 7.1% lead in each of these tests.

Q: Is the Intel chip better in single-core performance due to its higher boost clock?

A: No. Despite the Intel i7-8559U having a 4.50 GHz boost clock versus the AMD’s 4.00 GHz, the Ryzen 5 3400GE wins all single-core tests. It scores 106 in Cinebench R15, 445 in R20, and 1061 in R23, compared to Intel’s 99, 414, and 986.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel i7-8559U has a higher average benchmark score of 2225, while the Ryzen 5 3400GE averages 2175. However, this includes Geekbench results for the Intel chip only; the AMD part has no Geekbench scores in the data.

Q: What is the performance percentile for each processor?

A: Both processors are at the 47th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they perform better than roughly 47% of all processors tracked in the database.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE has a TDP of 35 watts, which is higher than the Intel Core i7-8559U’s 28 watts. This is notable because the Intel chip is a mobile part, while the AMD is a desktop processor.

Q: Are these processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i7-8559U does not. This means the AMD chip can be overclocked, potentially closing or widening performance gaps depending on the user’s setup.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design lineages. The Intel Core i7-8559U is built on the Kaby Lake architecture, specifically the Kaby Lake-R refresh, using a 14 nm process node from Intel’s own foundry. Its die size is 123 mm². The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE, in contrast, uses the Zen+ architecture under the Picasso codename, fabricated on a 12 nm node by GlobalFoundries. Its die size is significantly larger at 210 mm² and it packs 4,940 million transistors, a figure not listed for the Intel part.

Cache configurations also differ notably. The Intel chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD processor has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, but only 4 MB of shared L3 cache. This means the Intel chip has twice the L3 cache, which can help in certain workloads that benefit from larger shared pools, even though the benchmark data shows AMD winning in Cinebench tests. The AMD chip has a dual-channel memory bus with a bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s, while the Intel part lists memory support as DDR4 but provides no bandwidth figure.

The integrated graphics differ as well. Intel uses Iris Pro Plus, while AMD integrates Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics. Neither has ECC memory support. The sockets are completely incompatible: the Intel chip uses BGA 1356, which is typically soldered onto a motherboard, while the AMD chip uses the standard Socket AM4, which is socketed and replaceable. The Intel part is classified as a mobile segment processor, released in April 2018, while the AMD is a desktop part released in July 2019. The AMD chip also has the part number YD3400C6M4MFH and is part of the 3000 series, with an unlocked multiplier — a feature the Intel chip lacks.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear winner: the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE outperforms the Intel Core i7-8559U in every benchmark where they are directly compared. If your priority is raw CPU performance in rendering or similar multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks, the AMD chip is the better pick. The 7.1% lead in multi-core and 6.6% to 7.1% lead in single-core tests is consistent and reliable. However, the Intel chip has a higher average benchmark score (2225 versus 2175), which is driven by its Geekbench results that the AMD part lacks. This does not change the head-to-head outcome, but it suggests the Intel chip may have strengths in workloads not captured by the Cinebench suite.

For a mobile user, the Intel chip’s lower TDP of 28 watts versus 35 watts is an advantage, as it likely generates less heat and consumes less power in a laptop chassis. For a desktop builder, the AMD chip’s unlocked multiplier offers overclocking headroom, and its Socket AM4 platform is more upgradeable and serviceable. The Ryzen 5 3400GE also has a higher base clock (3.30 GHz versus 2.70 GHz) and a larger L2 cache per core, which may contribute to its benchmark victories. Ultimately, the choice depends on your platform: if you need a mobile processor, the i7-8559U is your option; if you are building a desktop, the Ryzen 5 3400GE delivers better performance in the tested workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification. The Intel Core i7-8559U has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. TDP is 28 watts for Intel versus 35 watts for AMD. The Intel chip uses a 14 nm process, while the AMD uses 12 nm. Die sizes are 123 mm² versus 210 mm², and the AMD chip lists 4,940 million transistors.

Cache structures differ: Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3; AMD has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR4 for both, but only AMD lists a dual-channel bus with 46.9 GB/s bandwidth. Integrated graphics are Iris Pro Plus for Intel and Radeon RX Vega 11 for AMD. The Intel chip uses a BGA 1356 socket, while AMD uses Socket AM4. The Intel part is mobile segment, released in April 2018; the AMD part is desktop, released in July 2019. The AMD chip has an unlocked multiplier, the Intel does not. The AMD part has a part number and is in the 3000 series; the Intel part has no series listed.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE wins in all benchmark categories tested: Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core. This makes it the stronger choice for CPU-intensive rendering tasks, video encoding, and any application that scales well with multi-threading. Its higher base clock (3.30 GHz) and larger per-core L2 cache (512 KB) likely contribute to its consistent edge. Additionally, its unlocked multiplier means users can overclock it further, potentially extending its lead over the Intel part. For desktop builders who prioritize raw compute performance and have the cooling headroom for a 35-watt TDP, the Ryzen 5 3400GE is the clear winner.

The Intel Core i7-8559U wins in the average benchmark score comparison, with 2225 versus 2175, thanks to its Geekbench scores of 4293 multi-core and 1384 single-core. This suggests the Intel chip may be better suited for workloads similar to Geekbench, which often include memory latency tests, encryption, and compression tasks. Its lower TDP of 28 watts makes it more suitable for thin-and-light laptops where thermal management is critical. The larger 8 MB L3 cache could also benefit certain server-style or database workloads that rely on caching, though this is not directly tested. For mobile users who need a balanced processor with decent graphics in a low-power envelope, the i7-8559U remains a viable choice despite losing the Cinebench comparisons.