AMD Ryzen 5 4500U vs Intel Core i7-8705G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a split decision between these two mobile processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U takes the majority of the head-to-head wins, but the Intel Core i7-8705G claims the most decisive victory in the newest multi-threaded test.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U scores 892 against the Intel Core i7-8705G’s 651. That is a 27% advantage for the AMD part. The gap widens dramatically in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the Ryzen 5 4500U posts 174 points versus 91 for the Intel chip, a 47.7% lead. These are substantial margins, indicating that in older rendering workloads, the AMD processor is clearly ahead in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.

However, the picture changes when looking at the newer Cinebench R23 tests. In multi-core R23, the Intel Core i7-8705G scores 6464, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U scores 5920. That gives Intel a 9.2% win. This is notable because it shows the Intel chip scaling better in a more modern renderer that likely takes advantage of its eight threads. In single-core R23, AMD wins again, scoring 1152 versus Intel’s 912, a 20.8% margin.

So the scoreboard shows AMD winning three out of four head-to-head tests, but Intel winning the one that matters most for heavily threaded modern workloads. The R15 results are older tests, and the R23 results are more representative of current software. The data suggests that for legacy applications, AMD has a clear edge, but for contemporary multi-threaded rendering, Intel closes the gap and actually overtakes AMD.

The average benchmark scores across all recorded tests place the two very close: the Intel Core i7-8705G averages 2058, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U averages 2035. That is a difference of just over 1%, well within normal run-to-run variance. The Intel chip sits at the 46th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the AMD chip sits at the 45th percentile. Essentially, these are equivalent overall performers, with strengths in different areas.

Looking at nearest rivals for context, the Intel Core i7-8705G matches the Intel Core i3-10105T exactly at an average score of 2058, and sits just 0.1% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (2059) and 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (2055). The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Xeon E-2124G (2034), 0.1% behind the Intel Core i7-3960X (2037), and 0.2% behind the Intel Core i7-7700T (2039). Neither chip dramatically outperforms its immediate peers.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-8705G uses the Kaby Lake architecture, specifically the Kaby Lake G variant, built on Intel’s 14 nm process. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U uses the Zen 2 architecture, codenamed Renoir, built on TSMC’s 7 nm process. The node difference is significant: 14 nm versus 7 nm means AMD has a transistor density advantage, but the Intel chip compensates with higher clock speeds and a different core configuration.

The Intel part has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD part has 6 cores and 6 threads. This is a critical distinction. Intel uses Hyper-Threading to double its thread count, while AMD uses only one thread per core. In pure multi-threaded scenarios, the Intel chip’s 8 threads can often outperform the AMD chip’s 6 threads, which explains the R23 multi-core result. However, the AMD chip’s extra physical cores give it an advantage in certain workloads that prefer more cores over more threads.

Clock speeds tell a similar story. The Intel Core i7-8705G has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. Intel has a higher base clock by 0.80 GHz and a slightly higher boost clock by 0.10 GHz. This helps explain the Intel chip’s competitive showing in single-threaded R23, though the AMD chip still wins that test by a wide margin.

Cache configurations are similar in total L3, with both offering 8 MB shared. However, the L2 cache differs: the Intel chip has 256 KB per core, while the AMD chip has 512 KB per core. The L1 cache is identical at 64 KB per core. The larger per-core L2 on the AMD part likely contributes to its strong single-threaded performance in older tests.

Power consumption is a major differentiator. The Intel Core i7-8705G has a TDP of 65 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U has a TDP of just 15 watts. That is a 50-watt difference, making the AMD chip dramatically more power-efficient. The Intel chip is designed for higher-performance laptops with active cooling, while the AMD chip targets thin-and-light ultrabooks where battery life is paramount.

Memory bandwidth also favors AMD. The Ryzen 5 4500U supports DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel chip supports only DDR4 with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The AMD chip also offers more PCIe lanes: 12 lanes versus 8 lanes on the Intel side, both Gen 3.

The process node and foundry differences are stark. Intel uses its own 14 nm foundry, while AMD uses TSMC’s 7 nm process. The AMD chip has 9,800 million transistors on a 156 mm² die, while the Intel chip’s die size is 125 mm² with no transistor count recorded. The smaller Intel die at 14 nm suggests a less dense design, while the AMD chip packs far more transistors into a slightly larger area.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U wins in single-threaded workloads across both Cinebench R15 and R23. The 47.7% lead in R15 single-core and 20.8% lead in R23 single-core are decisive. For applications that rely on one or two threads, such as web browsing, office productivity, and legacy software, the AMD chip is clearly the better choice. The data also shows AMD winning in older multi-threaded tests, with a 27% advantage in R15 multi-core. This suggests that for legacy rendering engines, the AMD chip’s 6 physical cores outperform Intel’s 4 cores with 8 threads.

The Intel Core i7-8705G wins in modern multi-threaded rendering. Its 9.2% advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 6464 versus 5920, indicates that newer software that scales well with threads benefits from Intel’s 8-thread configuration. This makes the Intel chip the better option for current-generation video editing, 3D rendering, and other heavily threaded creative workloads.

The overall averages show near parity, with the Intel chip at 2058 and the AMD chip at 2035. The percentile rankings are also nearly identical, at 46 versus 45. So in the broadest sense, neither chip dominates the other. The choice depends entirely on the specific workload mix.

For users who prioritize power efficiency, the AMD chip is the only sensible choice. A 15-watt TDP versus 65 watts means the Ryzen 5 4500U can sustain performance in fanless or low-power designs, while the Intel chip requires substantial cooling. For battery life, the AMD chip has an overwhelming advantage.

For users who prioritize raw multi-threaded performance in modern software, the Intel chip wins. The R23 multi-core score is the most telling benchmark, and Intel’s 9.2% lead is meaningful. However, this comes at the cost of much higher power consumption.

The AMD chip also wins on memory flexibility, supporting both DDR4 and LPDDR4, while the Intel chip only supports DDR4. The higher memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s gives AMD an edge in memory-sensitive workloads.

The Verdict

The recorded data shows two processors that trade blows depending on the test. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U wins three out of four head-to-head benchmarks, including both single-core tests and the older multi-core test. The Intel Core i7-8705G wins the newest multi-core test with a 9.2% margin.

For users running modern multi-threaded applications, the Intel Core i7-8705G is the pick. Its 6464 score in Cinebench R23 multi-core beats the AMD chip’s 5920, and the extra threads from 4 cores and 8 threads clearly help in current rendering engines. This chip is also the better choice for users who prioritize peak multi-threaded performance over power efficiency.

For users running legacy software or single-threaded applications, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U is the pick. The 47.7% single-core lead in R15 and 20.8% lead in R23 single-core are substantial. The AMD chip also offers dramatically better power efficiency at 15 watts versus 65 watts, making it suitable for thin-and-light laptops where battery life matters.

The overall average scores are nearly identical, so neither chip represents a clear upgrade over the other in general-purpose use. The Intel chip sits at the 46th percentile and the AMD chip at the 45th percentile, meaning both are mid-pack performers in the database. The choice should be driven by workload: modern multi-threaded rendering favors Intel, while everything else favors AMD.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U wins both single-core tests. It scores 174 versus 91 in Cinebench R15 single-core, a 47.7% lead, and 1152 versus 912 in Cinebench R23 single-core, a 20.8% lead.

Q: Which processor is better for modern multi-threaded rendering?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 6464 versus 5920 for the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U, a 9.2% advantage.

Q: How do the power consumption figures compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has a TDP of 65 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U has a TDP of 15 watts. The AMD chip uses substantially less power.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has 4 cores and 8 threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: Which processor has more memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U has a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel Core i7-8705G has 38.4 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G averages 2058 across all recorded tests, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U averages 2035. The difference is approximately 1%.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8705G | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U |

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

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2270 | AMD Socket FP6 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Zen 2 |

| Codename | Kaby Lake G | Renoir |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 7 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 9,800 million |

| Die Size | 125 mm² | 156 mm² |

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

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, LPDDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 12 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 630 | Radeon Graphics 384SP |

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

| Release Date | 2018-01-06 | 2020-01-05 |

| Part Number | SR3RK | 100-000000084 |