AMD Ryzen 5 5600 vs Intel Core i7-11600H Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 and Intel Core i7-11600H are both 6-core, 12-thread processors, but they target different segments: the Ryzen is a desktop part, the Core i7 is a mobile chip. The recorded benchmark data shows a decisive result: the Ryzen 5 5600 wins all 19 head-to-head tests, with an average benchmark score of 20468 against 19921 for the Intel. This analysis breaks down the numbers, the specifications, and the architecture differences.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Ryzen 5 5600 dominates every recorded test. The largest margin is in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Ryzen scores 137 versus 65, a 110.8% advantage. PassMark physics shows a 68.4% lead (1285 vs 763). Data encryption is 59.8% ahead (15531 vs 9718). In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Ryzen scores 18309 against 13286, a 37.8% gap, and single-core is 2584 vs 1875, also 37.8%. Geekbench multi-core is 9158 vs 6563, a 39.5% lead. However, not all margins are large: Geekbench single-core is 1936 vs 1924, only 0.6% difference, and PassMark single-thread is 3256 vs 3019, a 7.9% gap. The Ryzen wins every test, but the margin varies from a near tie to more than double.

The pattern holds across all workload types. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, the Ryzen leads by roughly 37.8% in both single and multi-core runs. PassMark integer math shows a 23.4% advantage (68396 vs 55437), floating point math is 17.6% ahead (38778 vs 32963), and random string sorting is 16.8% higher (25943 vs 22217). Extended instructions score 16993 vs 12938, a 31.3% lead. The only test where the Intel comes close is Geekbench single-core, where the difference is 0.6%. Even there, the Ryzen still wins.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher multi-thread performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 wins all multi-thread tests. For example, Cinebench R23 multi-core scores 18309 vs 13286, a 37.8% lead. PassMark multithread is 21541 vs 16093, a 33.9% advantage.

Q: Which CPU has better single-thread performance?

A: The Ryzen 5 5600 also wins single-thread tests, but by a smaller margin. Geekbench single-core is 1936 vs 1924, only 0.6% ahead. Cinebench R23 single-core is 2584 vs 1875, a 37.8% lead. So the Ryzen is ahead, but the gap varies.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-11600H does not.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-11600H includes UHD Graphics 750, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What are the TDP differences?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Intel Core i7-11600H has a TDP of 35 watts. This reflects the Intel's mobile design.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-11600H has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 boosts to 4.40 GHz. Despite this, the AMD still wins all single-thread benchmarks.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is the clear performance winner. It wins all 19 head-to-head tests, with an average benchmark score of 20468 versus 19921 for the Intel. The Ryzen also has a higher percentile ranking (74 vs 73). The Intel Core i7-11600H, however, is a mobile processor with a lower TDP (35W vs 65W) and includes integrated graphics, making it suitable for laptops. The Ryzen is a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier and ECC support. For anyone building a desktop system, the Ryzen 5 5600 is the superior choice. For a laptop, the Intel is the only option in this comparison. The launch MSRP is $199 for the AMD and $395 for the Intel.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs share 6 cores, 12 threads, DDR4 dual-channel memory, 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, and PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The differences are:

| Feature | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | Intel Core i7-11600H |

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

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel BGA 1787 |

| Architecture | Zen 3 | Tiger Lake |

| Codename | Vermeer | Tiger Lake-H |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 4,150 million | Not specified |

| Die Size | 74 mm² | 190 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 32 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics 750 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2022-04-19 | 2021-05-10 |

| Launch MSRP | $199 | $395 |

| Multiplier | Unlocked | Locked |

| Part Number | 100-000000927 | SRKT9 |

| TDP | 65 W | 35 W |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

Architecture Differences

The architectural split explains the performance gap. The Ryzen 5 5600 uses Zen 3 on a 7 nm TSMC process, while the Core i7-11600H uses Tiger Lake on Intel's 10 nm node. The AMD die is 74 mm² versus 190 mm² for the Intel, and the Ryzen has a larger L3 cache (32 MB vs 18 MB). The Intel has larger L1 and L2 caches per core (80 KB and 1.25 MB vs 64 KB and 512 KB), but that does not translate into benchmark wins. The AMD supports ECC memory, the Intel does not. The Intel includes integrated graphics, the AMD does not. The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, the Intel is locked. The AMD is a desktop part, the Intel is mobile. These design choices align with their target markets: the Ryzen prioritizes raw throughput, while the Core i7 balances power and portability.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 5 5600 wins every recorded benchmark, so in terms of measured performance, it is the only choice. The Intel Core i7-11600H, however, has advantages that are not captured in these tests: a lower TDP (35W vs 65W) makes it more power-efficient for laptops, and the integrated UHD Graphics 750 provides a display output without a discrete GPU. The Intel also has a higher boost clock (4.60 GHz vs 4.40 GHz), but that does not overcome the Ryzen's architectural efficiency. For desktop users who need maximum compute performance, the Ryzen 5 5600 is the clear winner. For mobile users who require a compact, low-power solution with built-in graphics, the Core i7-11600H is the only option in this comparison.