AMD Ryzen 5 7400 vs Intel Core 3 305 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between the AMD Ryzen 5 7400 and the Intel Core 3 305 across the Passmark test suite. The AMD processor wins 6 of the 11 head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel part takes 5. However, the magnitude of the victories matters more than the count.

The Ryzen 5 7400 dominates in multi-threaded and data-heavy workloads. Its largest margin comes in integer math, where it scores 64,733 against the Core 3 305's 32,295, a 100.4% advantage. Data compression shows a 78.2% lead (261,749 versus 146,857), and random string sorting is 76.5% ahead (31,110 versus 17,623). Extended instructions favor AMD by 47.1% (19,924 versus 13,543). The multithread score of 21,712 versus 15,439 represents a 40.6% gap, and data encryption adds another win for AMD at 14,865 versus 11,019, a 34.9% difference.

The Intel Core 3 305 counterattacks in single-threaded and specialized math tests. Its single-thread score of 3,977 beats AMD's 3,248 by 18.3%. Prime number finding shows Intel ahead by 31.3% (115 versus 79). Floating-point math is close: Intel scores 42,284 against 40,784, a 3.5% edge. The physics test also goes to Intel, 1,233 versus 1,150, a 6.7% margin.

The overall average benchmark score confirms the split. The Ryzen 5 7400 averages 42,055, while the Core 3 305 averages 18,302. That places AMD in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, versus the 72nd percentile for Intel. The nearest rivals for AMD include the Intel Core i9-12900K at 42,335 (-0.7% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS at 41,963 (+0.2% delta). The Core 3 305 sits close to the Intel Core i3-14100 at 18,318 (-0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 5 2600E at 18,230 (+0.4% delta).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing processes and design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 uses a 5 nm process from TSMC, built on the Zen 4 architecture with the Raphael codename. It belongs to the 7000 series and the Ryzen 5 generation. The Intel Core 3 305 uses a 3 nm process from Intel's own foundry, based on the Wildcat Lake codename in the Core 3 generation.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The AMD part has 6 cores and 12 threads, enabled by simultaneous multithreading. The Intel part also has 6 cores but only 6 threads, meaning no hyper-threading support. This explains the large multithread gap in the benchmarks.

Cache layouts reflect different strategies. The Ryzen 5 7400 provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 3 305 lists 192 KB of L1 total, 2.5 MB of L2 total, and 6 MB of shared L3. The AMD processor's larger shared L3 cache aligns with its data compression and sorting advantages.

Memory support diverges sharply. The Ryzen 5 7400 uses DDR5 in dual-channel mode with 83.2 GB/s of memory bandwidth and ECC support. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X but runs single-channel with 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth and no ECC. The single-channel memory bus likely contributes to the Intel part's lower multithread performance in memory-heavy tests.

PCIe capabilities also differ. AMD provides Gen 5 with 24 lanes from the CPU, while Intel offers Gen 4 with 6 lanes. The socket types are different as well: AMD Socket AM5 for the desktop Ryzen, Intel BGA 1516 for the mobile Core 3.

Integrated graphics differ, with AMD including Radeon Graphics and Intel including Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The TDP figures show a wide gap: 65 watts for AMD versus 15 watts for Intel. This reflects the desktop versus mobile positioning of the two parts.

The production status for both is active. The Ryzen 5 7400 released on 2025-09-15, while the Core 3 305 has a release date of 2026-04-15. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier; the Intel part does not.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 5 7400 is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads. Its 12 threads versus 6 threads drives the 40.6% multithread advantage and the 100.4% integer math lead. Data compression and random string sorting, both common in database and archive operations, show AMD ahead by roughly 77% in each test. Extended instructions, which measure SIMD and specialized instruction efficiency, favor AMD by 47.1%. Data encryption also goes to AMD with a 34.9% margin.

The Core 3 305 wins in single-thread responsiveness. Its 18.3% single-thread lead suggests faster per-core execution for lightly threaded applications. Prime number finding, a purely computational test, shows Intel ahead by 31.3%. Floating-point math is nearly even, with Intel holding a slim 3.5% edge. The physics test, which often reflects gaming and simulation workloads, gives Intel a 6.7% advantage.

The average benchmark score of 42,055 for AMD versus 18,302 for Intel places the Ryzen in a different performance class overall. The percentile rankings confirm this: 88th versus 72nd among all CPUs. However, the Intel part's 15-watt TDP and mobile socket suggest it targets power-constrained systems where the AMD desktop part cannot be installed.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the AMD Ryzen 5 7400 is the stronger processor for multi-threaded and data-intensive tasks. Its wins in integer math, data compression, sorting, encryption, and multithread scores are substantial, often exceeding 40% margins. The 100.4% integer math lead and 78.2% compression lead are decisive. The 88th percentile ranking confirms its position well above the Core 3 305's 72nd percentile.

The Intel Core 3 305 wins in single-thread performance and specialized math. Its 18.3% single-thread advantage and 31.3% prime number lead matter for applications that rely on one or two cores. The physics test win, though small at 6.7%, suggests reasonable gaming and simulation capability. The 15-watt TDP and mobile BGA socket make it suitable for laptops and compact systems where power efficiency is critical.

Users with desktop systems who need maximum throughput for compression, encryption, sorting, and multi-threaded productivity should select the AMD Ryzen 5 7400. Users in mobile form factors who prioritize single-thread speed and low power draw should consider the Intel Core 3 305. The socket and market segment differences are fundamental: AM5 desktop versus BGA 1516 mobile. There is no overlap in platform compatibility.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-thread score?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 scores 3,977 in the Passmark single-thread test, which is 18.3% higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 7400's 3,248.

Q: How large is the multithread performance gap?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 scores 21,712 in the Passmark multithread test versus 15,439 for the Intel Core 3 305, a 40.6% advantage for AMD.

Q: What explains the multithread difference?

A: The Ryzen 5 7400 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads. The lack of multithreading on the Intel part directly reduces its parallel throughput.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 supports DDR5 in dual-channel mode with ECC. The Intel Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X but runs single-channel without ECC.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 averages 42,055 across its benchmark suite, while the Intel Core 3 305 averages 18,302. This places AMD in the 88th percentile and Intel in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Are there any tests where the Intel processor wins by a large margin?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 wins prime number finding by 31.3% (115 versus 79) and single-thread performance by 18.3%. Its other wins in floating-point math and physics are smaller, at 3.5% and 6.7% respectively.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 has 6 cores and 12 threads; the Intel Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads. Base clocks are 3.30 GHz for AMD and 1.50 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks match at 4.30 GHz for both.

TDP is 65 watts for AMD versus 15 watts for Intel. The AMD part uses AMD Socket AM5; the Intel part uses Intel BGA 1516. Process nodes differ: 5 nm TSMC for AMD, 3 nm Intel for the Core 3 305.

Cache configurations are distinct. AMD lists 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. Intel lists 192 KB total L1, 2.5 MB total L2, and 6 MB shared L3.

Memory support shows AMD with DDR5 dual-channel and 83.2 GB/s bandwidth; Intel with DDR5 and LPDDR5X single-channel at 59.7 GB/s. ECC is available on AMD only. PCIe is Gen 5 with 24 lanes for AMD, Gen 4 with 6 lanes for Intel.

Integrated graphics are Radeon Graphics on AMD and Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) on Intel. The AMD multiplier is unlocked; Intel's is locked. The market segment is Desktop for AMD and Mobile for Intel. The AMD part number is 100-000001900; the Intel part number is SAE3L. The AMD processor has no launch MSRP in the database, while the Intel Core 3 305 has a launch MSRP of $309.