AMD Ryzen 5 4500U vs AMD Ryzen 7 1700 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U and AMD Ryzen 7 1700 occupy different corners of the processor market: the 4500U is a mobile chip from the 4000 series built on Zen 2, while the 1700 is a desktop part from the 1000 series using the original Zen architecture. Their head-to-head benchmark results show a split decision: the 4500U wins single-core performance, while the 1700 dominates multi-core. This analysis walks through the recorded data to clarify where each processor stands.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains two direct comparisons between these processors, both from Cinebench R15. In the multicore test, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 scores 1414, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U scores 892. The delta is -36.9%, meaning the 4500U trails the 1700 by 36.9% relative to the 1700's score. This is a substantial gap, driven by the 1700's higher core and thread count. The 1700 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the 4500U has 6 cores and 6 threads. The multicore advantage is the 1700's clearest win.

In the single-core test, the situation reverses. The 4500U scores 174, and the 1700 scores 147. The delta is 18.4%, meaning the 4500U is 18.4% ahead of the 1700. This reflects the newer Zen 2 architecture and higher boost clock: the 4500U boosts to 4.00 GHz, while the 1700 boosts to 3.70 GHz. The single-core win is narrower in absolute points (27 points) than the multicore gap (522 points), but it is still a decisive advantage for the 4500U.

Each processor claims one victory in the head-to-head set. The 1700's multicore lead is larger in percentage terms (36.9% vs 18.4%), but the 4500U's single-core win is notable because it comes from a chip with a 15 W TDP versus the 1700's 65 W TDP. The data shows that the 4500U can outperform the 1700 in lightly threaded workloads while consuming far less power.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different designs. The 4500U uses a 7 nm process from TSMC, while the 1700 uses a 14 nm process from GlobalFoundries. The 4500U integrates 9,800 million transistors on a 156 mm² die, whereas the 1700 packs 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die. The smaller node and denser transistor count give the 4500U a significant efficiency advantage.

Core and thread counts differ sharply. The 4500U has 6 cores and 6 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading. The 1700 has 8 cores and 16 threads, doubling the thread count. This explains the multicore benchmark gap. Cache hierarchies also differ: the 4500U has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The 1700 has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The 1700's larger L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB) helps in some multi-threaded workloads, though the 4500U's newer architecture compensates in single-threaded tasks.

Memory support diverges. The 4500U supports DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The 1700 supports only DDR4, also dual-channel, but with a lower bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The 4500U does not support ECC memory, while the 1700 does. PCIe connectivity also differs: the 4500U provides 12 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the 1700 provides 16 lanes. The 1700 has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, whereas the 4500U is locked.

Integrated graphics are exclusive to the 4500U, which includes Radeon Graphics with 384 shader processors. The 1700 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. The 4500U uses the AMD Socket FP6, while the 1700 uses the desktop AMD Socket AM4. The 4500U is a mobile part, and the 1700 is a desktop part. Their release dates are also far apart: the 4500U launched in January 2020, and the 1700 in March 2017.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to a clear split. For single-threaded applications, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U is the better choice, with an 18.4% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core. For multi-threaded workloads, the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is superior, with a 36.9% advantage in Cinebench R15 multi-core. The 1700's 16 threads give it a decisive edge in rendering, video encoding, and other parallel tasks. The 4500U's higher single-core score and lower TDP make it more suitable for everyday responsiveness, light productivity, and mobile use.

The 1700 also offers ECC memory support and an unlocked multiplier, which are valuable for workstation and enthusiast builds. The 4500U counters with integrated graphics, which eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. The 4500U's 7 nm process and 15 W TDP make it far more power-efficient, while the 1700's 65 W TDP is typical for a desktop part. Both processors sit at the 45th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating similar overall standing, though their average benchmark scores differ slightly: the 4500U averages 2035, and the 1700 averages 2015.

The Ryzen 7 1700 had a launch MSRP of $329. No pricing data is recorded for the 4500U. The choice between them depends on the workload: multi-threaded performance and ECC favor the 1700, while single-thread speed, integrated graphics, and efficiency favor the 4500U.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: 6 (4500U) vs 8 (1700)
• Threads: 6 vs 16
• Base clock: 2.30 GHz vs 3.00 GHz
• Boost clock: 4.00 GHz vs 3.70 GHz
• TDP: 15 W vs 65 W
• Socket: AMD Socket FP6 vs AMD Socket AM4
• Architecture: Zen 2 vs Zen
• Process node: 7 nm (TSMC) vs 14 nm (GlobalFoundries)
• Transistors: 9,800 million vs 4,800 million
• Die size: 156 mm² vs 213 mm²
• L1 cache: 64 KB per core vs 96 KB per core
• L3 cache: 8 MB shared vs 16 MB shared
• Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4 vs DDR4
• Memory bandwidth: 51.2 GB/s vs 42.7 GB/s
• ECC memory: No vs Yes
• PCIe lanes: 12 (Gen 3) vs 16 (Gen 3)
• Integrated graphics: Radeon Graphics 384SP vs None
• Market segment: Mobile vs Desktop
• Release date: 2020-01-05 vs 2017-03-01
• Multiplier unlocked: No vs Yes
• Part number: 100-000000084 vs YD1700BBAEBOX

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U scores 174 in Cinebench R15 single-core, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 scores 147. The 4500U is 18.4% ahead.

Q: Which CPU has higher multi-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 scores 1414 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, while the 4500U scores 892. The 1700 leads by 36.9%.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The 4500U has 6 cores and 6 threads. The 1700 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The 4500U includes Radeon Graphics with 384 shader processors. The 1700 has no integrated graphics.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The 1700 supports ECC memory. The 4500U does not.

Q: What are the TDP values?

A: The 4500U has a TDP of 15 W, and the 1700 has a TDP of 65 W.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U wins in scenarios that favor single-threaded performance, low power consumption, and integrated graphics. Its 18.4% single-core lead over the 1700 makes it better for web browsing, office applications, and lightly threaded games. The 15 W TDP allows for fanless or low-profile cooling in thin laptops. The integrated Radeon Graphics 384SP removes the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. The 4500U also supports LPDDR4 memory, which is common in mobile designs.

The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 wins in multi-threaded workloads that can use its 16 threads. Its 36.9% multicore advantage makes it the stronger choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, software compilation, and other parallel tasks. The 1700 also offers ECC memory support, which is important for data integrity in workstation environments. Its unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, and its 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes provide more expansion headroom for GPUs and NVMe drives. The 1700's larger L3 cache (16 MB) can benefit certain cache-sensitive workloads. For desktop users who prioritize raw multi-threaded throughput and are willing to accept higher power draw, the 1700 is the clear pick.