AMD Ryzen 5 4600U vs Intel Core i3-9100 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data gives a clear split between these two processors, though it is heavily weighted in one direction. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U wins every single head-to-head benchmark in the database. That is four wins out of four possible tests. The Intel Core i3-9100 does not win a single recorded comparison.

If you are looking at multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 5 4600U is the obvious pick. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 1089 versus 566 is a crushing 92.4% advantage. The Geekbench multi-core result also favors AMD by 38.6%, with scores of 4715 against 3403. These are not small margins; they represent a fundamentally different level of parallel throughput.

Single-threaded performance is where the gap narrows, but AMD still leads. The Geekbench single-core test shows a modest 4.4% win for the Ryzen, scoring 1347 against 1290. However, the Cinebench R15 single-core result is bizarrely lopsided in the database: AMD scores 175.5 while Intel scores 79, a 122.2% difference. That particular result seems anomalous compared to the Geekbench single-core numbers, but the database records it as a clear AMD win.

The Intel chip does have a higher boost clock on paper (4.20 GHz versus 4.00 GHz), yet that does not translate into any benchmark victory. The data shows that clock speed alone does not determine real-world performance here.

For a desktop user who already owns an LGA 1151 motherboard, the Core i3-9100 is a functional entry-level part. But if you are choosing between these two as standalone processors, the Ryzen 5 4600U wins every measured test. There is no workload category in the database where the Intel part comes out ahead.

Architecture Differences

These two chips come from different design philosophies and manufacturing generations. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U uses the Zen 2 architecture on a 7 nm process from TSMC. It is built on the Renoir codename and belongs to the 4000 series. The Intel Core i3-9100 uses the older Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm process from Intel's own fabs.

The transistor count tells a story of complexity. AMD's chip packs 9,800 million transistors on a 156 mm² die. Intel's chip has no recorded transistor count in the database, but its die size is 126 mm². The AMD chip uses a denser, more modern manufacturing process, which allows it to fit more logic in a similar physical footprint.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The Ryzen 5 4600U has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i3-9100 has 4 cores and 4 threads. That means the AMD chip can handle twice as many threads simultaneously, which explains its multi-core dominance.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both have 64 KB of L1 per core, but the L2 cache differs: AMD has 512 KB per core, Intel has 256 KB per core. The shared L3 cache is 8 MB on AMD versus 6 MB on Intel. These are small differences per core, but they compound with the extra cores.

Memory support is another split. The Ryzen 5 4600U supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4, while the Core i3-9100 only lists DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the AMD chip has a higher memory bandwidth rating at 51.2 GB/s versus Intel's 38.4 GB/s.

ECC memory is a notable differentiator. The Intel Core i3-9100 supports ECC, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U does not. This makes the Intel part more attractive for certain workstation or server-style builds where memory error correction matters.

The integrated graphics differ as well. AMD uses Radeon RX Vega 6, Intel uses UHD Graphics 630. The database does not provide graphics benchmarks, so no performance comparison is possible from the recorded data.

The AMD chip is a mobile part on AMD Socket FP6, while the Intel chip is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1151. The Intel chip is marked as end-of-life, while the AMD chip is still active in production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest recorded win for the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U comes in Cinebench R15 multi-core. AMD scores 1089, Intel scores 566, giving AMD a 92.4% advantage. This is more than just a lead; it is nearly double the performance. That result aligns with the 6-core/12-thread versus 4-core/4-thread configuration.

The Cinebench R15 single-core test shows an even larger percentage gap, but in a different direction from what you might expect. AMD scores 175.5, Intel scores 79, a 122.2% difference. That is a strange result because the Intel chip has a higher boost clock of 4.20 GHz versus AMD's 4.00 GHz. The database records this as an AMD win, but the magnitude seems inconsistent with the Geekbench single-core results. Still, the data is what it is.

Geekbench multi-core shows a more reasonable but still decisive AMD lead. AMD scores 4715, Intel scores 3403, a 38.6% difference. This test is less dependent on raw thread count and more balanced across memory and cache behavior, but the extra cores still give AMD a clear edge.

Geekbench single-core is the closest result in the entire comparison. AMD scores 1347, Intel scores 1290, a 4.4% difference. This is the only test where the two chips are within striking distance of each other. It suggests that for lightly threaded tasks, the Coffee Lake architecture still holds its own against Zen 2.

Looking at the percentile data, both chips sit at the 42nd percentile among all CPUs. Their average benchmark scores are close as well: AMD at 1832, Intel at 1806. This puts them in the same general performance tier overall, despite the lopsided head-to-head results. The averages are pulled down by the fact that both are relatively modest parts in the broader CPU landscape.

Specification Differences

The most important spec differences are listed below, based only on the recorded fields.

Cores and threads: AMD has 6 cores and 12 threads. Intel has 4 cores and 4 threads. This is the single biggest factor in multi-core performance.

Clock speeds: AMD has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. Intel has a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. Intel has the higher clocks on paper, but that does not translate into benchmark wins.

TDP: AMD is rated at 15 watts. Intel is rated at 65 watts. This is a massive difference. The AMD chip is designed for mobile power efficiency, while the Intel chip is a desktop part with much higher power draw.

Process node: AMD is on 7 nm from TSMC. Intel is on 14 nm from Intel. Two full process generations separate them.

Socket: AMD uses AMD Socket FP6. Intel uses Intel Socket 1151. These are not interchangeable.

Cache: Both have 64 KB L1 per core. AMD has 512 KB L2 per core and 8 MB shared L3. Intel has 256 KB L2 per core and 6 MB shared L3.

Memory: AMD supports DDR4 and LPDDR4 with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. Intel supports DDR4 only with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. AMD also has ECC disabled, Intel has ECC enabled.

Integrated graphics: AMD has Radeon RX Vega 6. Intel has UHD Graphics 630.

Market segment: AMD is mobile. Intel is desktop.

Production status: AMD is active. Intel is end-of-life.

Release date: AMD was released on January 5, 2020. Intel was released on August 31, 2018.

Launch MSRP: Intel's launch MSRP is $122. AMD has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is better for multi-core workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U. It wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 92.4% and Geekbench multi-core by 38.6%. The 6-core/12-thread configuration gives it a massive advantage over Intel's 4-core/4-thread layout.

Q: Is the Intel Core i3-9100 better at single-core tasks?

A: No. The database shows AMD winning Geekbench single-core by 4.4% and Cinebench R15 single-core by 122.2%. Intel's higher boost clock of 4.20 GHz does not produce a single-core win in any recorded test.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U has a TDP of 15 watts. The Intel Core i3-9100 has a TDP of 65 watts. AMD draws far less power while delivering higher benchmark scores.

Q: Do these processors fit the same motherboard?

A: No. AMD uses AMD Socket FP6. Intel uses Intel Socket 1151. They are completely incompatible platforms.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i3-9100 supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U does not, according to the recorded specifications.

Q: Which processor is still in production?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U is marked as active. The Intel Core i3-9100 is marked as end-of-life.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U wins every single head-to-head test in the database, with margins ranging from 4.4% to 122.2%. It also does so while consuming far less power, at 15 watts TDP versus Intel's 65 watts.

If you are building a new system and can choose between these two, the AMD chip is the better performer in every measured category. It offers 50% more cores, twice the threads, more cache, and higher memory bandwidth. The only areas where Intel has a clear advantage are ECC memory support and a lower launch MSRP of $122.

If you specifically need ECC memory for a workstation or server role, the Core i3-9100 has a purpose. If you are stuck with an existing LGA 1151 platform and cannot change motherboards, the Intel chip is a functional option. But if you are making a fresh decision with no platform constraints, the recorded data points entirely toward the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U.

The Intel chip's higher clocks do not help it win any test. The AMD chip's modern 7 nm process, larger cache, and superior thread count simply overwhelm the older Coffee Lake design. For the vast majority of workloads represented by these benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U is the correct choice.