AMD Ryzen 5 4500 vs AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is decisive: the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 wins 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS takes only 2. The overall average benchmark scores confirm the gap, with the Ryzen 5 4500 at 17333 and the Ryzen 5 7235HS at 16902, a difference of 2.5%.

The most lopsided victories for the Ryzen 5 4500 come in data-heavy workloads. In PassMark random string sorting, it scores 23989 against 15294, a 56.9% advantage. Data compression is nearly as dominant: 228741 versus 152168, a 50.3% lead. Data encryption follows at 50.2% (13597 vs 9051). These are not marginal wins; they represent a substantial throughput advantage in memory- and cache-sensitive tasks.

In Cinebench, the pattern is consistent across all three versions. The Ryzen 5 4500 leads by 31.2% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (1378 vs 1050) and by 31.1% in single-core (194 vs 148). The margin holds at R20 (31.3% multi-core, 31.3% single-core) and R23 (31.3% multi-core, 31.3% single-core). The R23 multi-core scores are 13677 for the 4500 and 10418 for the 7235HS. Even in single-threaded Cinebench, where the newer architecture might be expected to help the 7235HS, the 4500 wins decisively.

PassMark multi-threaded performance gives the 4500 a 31.4% edge (16091 vs 12243). Integer math is 23.7% higher (49707 vs 40174), floating-point math is 27.3% higher (29405 vs 23091), and extended instructions are 39.3% higher (15166 vs 10887). Physics scores favor the 4500 by 26.5% (726 vs 574). Even prime number finding, a workload that often favors newer cores, shows a 9.7% lead for the 4500 (34 vs 31).

The Ryzen 5 7235HS has exactly one clear counterpoint: PassMark single-thread performance. It scores 2873 against 2593, a 9.7% advantage. This is the only benchmark category where the 7235HS leads, and it appears in both the "single_thread" and "singlethread" entries, confirming the result.

The data shows a CPU that leads in nearly every multi-core scenario and even wins single-core Cinebench tests. The Ryzen 5 7235HS is competitive only in the narrow PassMark single-thread metric. For users prioritizing raw throughput, the Ryzen 5 4500 is the clear choice based on recorded measurements.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and use different underlying designs. The Ryzen 5 4500 is a 4000 series desktop part built on Zen 2 architecture with the Renoir codename. The Ryzen 5 7235HS is a 7000 series mobile part using Zen 3+ architecture with the Rembrandt-R codename. This architectural gap explains several performance characteristics.

Process technology differs: the 4500 uses a 7 nm node, while the 7235HS uses a 6 nm node, both manufactured by TSMC. The die sizes reflect the different designs: the 4500 has a 156 mm² die with 9,800 million transistors, while the 7235HS has a larger 210 mm² die, though its transistor count is not recorded.

Core counts differ significantly. The Ryzen 5 4500 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Ryzen 5 7235HS has 4 cores and 8 threads. This 50% core advantage for the 4500 is a primary driver of its multi-core benchmark wins. Clock speeds are close: the 4500 has a 3.60 GHz base clock and 4.10 GHz boost, while the 7235HS has a 3.20 GHz base and a slightly higher 4.20 GHz boost. The higher boost clock on the 7235HS helps it win the PassMark single-thread test despite the older architecture.

Cache configurations are identical in structure: both have 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. This means the 4500's extra cores provide proportionally more total L1 and L2 cache, while L3 remains equal.

Memory support diverges clearly. The 4500 supports DDR4 with dual-channel memory and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. The 7235HS supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, a 50% bandwidth advantage. The 7235HS also supports ECC memory, while the 4500 does not. This memory difference does not translate into benchmark wins for the 7235HS in the recorded data, suggesting the core count disadvantage outweighs the memory bandwidth advantage.

PCIe connectivity differs: the 4500 offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 7235HS offers PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The 7235HS also includes integrated Radeon 660M graphics, while the 4500 has no integrated graphics listed.

Socket and market positioning are distinct. The 4500 uses AMD Socket AM4 and is a desktop part. The 7235HS uses AMD Socket FP7 and is a mobile part. The 4500 has an unlocked multiplier, while the 7235HS does not. The 4500 has a launch MSRP of $129 and a release date of 2022-04-03, while the 7235HS has no recorded launch MSRP or release date. Both are listed as active production parts.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Does the Ryzen 5 7235HS ever win any benchmark?

A: Yes, it wins PassMark single-thread performance tests with a score of 2873 versus 2593, a 9.7% advantage. It also wins the duplicate "singlethread" entry by the same margin.

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

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Ryzen 5 4500 scores 13677 versus 10418, a 31.3% lead. PassMark multi-thread shows a 31.4% advantage (16091 vs 12243).

Q: What memory types do the two CPUs support?

A: The Ryzen 5 4500 supports DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. The Ryzen 5 7235HS supports DDR5 with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth and also supports ECC memory.

Q: Do they have the same L3 cache size?

A: Yes, both have 8 MB of shared L3 cache. L1 and L2 cache per core are also identical at 64 KB and 512 KB respectively.

Q: Which CPU is for desktop and which is for mobile?

A: The Ryzen 5 4500 is a desktop part on AMD Socket AM4. The Ryzen 5 7235HS is a mobile part on AMD Socket FP7.

Specification Differences

The table below lists only the fields where the two CPUs differ in the recorded data.

| Field | AMD Ryzen 5 4500 | AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS |

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

| Series | 4000 series | 7000 series |

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 45 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | AMD Socket FP7 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen 3+ |

| Codename | Renoir | Rembrandt-R |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 6 nm |

| Die Size | 156 mm² | 210 mm² |

| Transistors | 9,800 million | Not recorded |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon 660M |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2022-04-03 | Not recorded |

| Launch MSRP | $129 | Not recorded |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | 100-000000xxx | 100-000001507 |

The Verdict

The benchmark evidence points to one conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 is the faster processor in nearly every measurable workload. It wins 15 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, including all Cinebench tests and all multi-threaded PassMark tests. The Ryzen 5 7235HS wins only the PassMark single-thread test, where its higher boost clock (4.20 GHz vs 4.10 GHz) and newer Zen 3+ architecture provide a 9.7% edge.

The Ryzen 5 4500's core advantage (6 vs 4) and thread advantage (12 vs 8) are decisive. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the lead is 31.3%. In PassMark multi-thread, it is 31.4%. In data compression, the lead reaches 50.3%. These are substantial margins that cannot be overcome by the 7235HS's higher memory bandwidth (76.8 GB/s vs 51.2 GB/s) or newer process node (6 nm vs 7 nm).

The 7235HS does bring advantages in platform features. It supports DDR5, ECC memory, PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, and includes integrated Radeon 660M graphics. It also has a lower TDP of 45 W versus 65 W. However, for raw compute performance as measured by the database, the 4500 is the stronger part.

The Ryzen 5 4500 also has an unlocked multiplier, which is relevant for users who can overclock. Its launch MSRP is $129, though the 7235HS has no recorded launch MSRP. Both CPUs are active production parts with 71st and 70th percentile rankings against all CPUs respectively, meaning they sit at very similar overall performance levels despite the head-to-head differences.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 5 4500 wins in the following recorded benchmark categories: Cinebench R15 multi-core (1378 vs 1050), Cinebench R15 single-core (194 vs 148), Cinebench R20 multi-core (5744 vs 4375), Cinebench R20 single-core (810 vs 617), Cinebench R23 multi-core (13677 vs 10418), Cinebench R23 single-core (1930 vs 1470), PassMark data compression (228741 vs 152168), data encryption (13597 vs 9051), extended instructions (15166 vs 10887), find prime numbers (34 vs 31), floating-point math (29405 vs 23091), integer math (49707 vs 40174), multi-thread (16091 vs 12243), physics (726 vs 574), and random string sorting (23989 vs 15294).

The Ryzen 5 7235HS wins in PassMark single-thread performance (2873 vs 2593) and the duplicate singlethread entry (2873 vs 2593).

For users choosing based on the data: the Ryzen 5 4500 is the pick for multi-core rendering, data compression, encryption, physics simulation, and all Cinebench workloads. Its single-core Cinebench wins are notable, as they indicate strong per-thread performance despite the older Zen 2 architecture.

The Ryzen 5 7235HS is the pick only for users who prioritize PassMark single-thread performance and require its platform features: DDR5 memory support, ECC memory, PCIe Gen 4, integrated graphics, lower TDP, and mobile form factor. For desktop users who want maximum compute throughput from these two options, the Ryzen 5 4500 is the clear winner in the recorded data.