AMD Ryzen 5 7520U vs Intel Core i5-1145GRE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data shows a clear split between the two processors depending on the workload generation. In Cinebench R15, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U dominates both multi-core and single-core tests. The AMD part scores 834 in multi-core versus 705 for the Intel Core i5-1145GRE, a 18.3% advantage. The single-core margin is far larger: 168.8 versus 99, a 70.5% lead for AMD. This is not a marginal gap; it is a decisive win in that older benchmark.

The picture flips entirely in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE scores 7001 against the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U's 5149, which means Intel is 26.5% ahead. However, in R23 single-core, AMD returns to the lead with 1171 versus 988, a 18.5% advantage. So the two CPUs take turns winning: AMD wins three of the four head-to-head tests, Intel wins one. The overall win count is 3 for AMD and 1 for Intel.

What does this mean in practical terms? The R23 multi-core result is the most modern heavy-threaded test, and Intel's 7001 score puts it in a different performance class for sustained all-core rendering. Yet AMD's single-core wins in both R15 and R23 indicate that lightly threaded tasks, such as typical office work or web browsing, will favor the Ryzen. The R15 single-core number is particularly striking: a 70.5% delta is rarely seen between two contemporary mobile parts.

The average benchmark score from the database places the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U at 2046, with its nearest rival being the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 at 2048 (a delta of -0.1%). The Intel Core i5-1145GRE averages 2025, with the Intel Core i5-1130G7 at 2026 as the closest comparator (delta -0.1%). Both CPUs sit at the 45th percentile against all CPUs in the database, meaning they are statistically equivalent in overall aggregate performance, despite their very different strong suits.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core, and by how much?

A: The Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins decisively, scoring 7001 versus 5149 for the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U. That is a 26.5% lead for Intel.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U faster in single-core tests?

A: Yes, in both recorded single-core tests. In Cinebench R15 single-core, AMD scores 168.8 versus 99 (a 70.5% advantage). In Cinebench R23 single-core, AMD scores 1171 versus 988 (an 18.5% advantage).

Q: How do the two chips compare in overall aggregate performance?

A: The database records an average benchmark score of 2046 for the AMD part and 2025 for the Intel part. Both are at the 45th percentile of all CPUs, and their nearest rivals (Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 for AMD, Intel Core i5-1130G7 for Intel) have deltas of only -0.1% and -0.1%, respectively.

Q: Does the Intel chip support ECC memory while the AMD chip does not?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i5-1145GRE supports ECC memory, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U does not. This is a notable distinction for certain workstation or reliability-focused scenarios.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has a boost clock of 4.30 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-1145GRE boosts to 4.10 GHz. The AMD chip also has a higher base clock at 2.80 GHz versus 1.50 GHz for Intel.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is built on a 6 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Core i5-1145GRE uses Intel's 10 nm node.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is based on the Zen 2 architecture, specifically the Mendocino codename, and belongs to the 7000 series. It is manufactured on a 6 nm process at TSMC, with a die size of 100 mm². The Intel Core i5-1145GRE uses the Tiger Lake architecture (Tiger Lake-U codename) with Willow Cove cores, built on Intel's 10 nm node, and has a larger die of 144 mm². The foundry difference is significant: AMD relies on TSMC, while Intel fabricates its own silicon.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The AMD part has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The Intel part has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and a shared 8 MB L3 cache. The larger L3 cache on Intel (8 MB versus 4 MB) may help in workloads with repeated data access, though the benchmark data does not isolate cache effects.

Memory support also diverges. The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U pairs with LPDDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, delivering 88.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel Core i5-1145GRE supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X, also dual-channel, but the database lists no bandwidth figure for it. The integrated graphics differ: AMD uses Radeon 610M, while Intel uses Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units. PCIe generation also differs: AMD offers Gen 3 with 4 CPU lanes, Intel offers Gen 4 with 4 CPU lanes.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs share several basics: both have 4 cores and 8 threads, both are mobile segments, both have locked multipliers, and both are currently in active production. The differences start with clock speeds. The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The Intel Core i5-1145GRE has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost of 4.10 GHz. The AMD part's base clock is nearly double that of Intel.

Thermal design power differs: AMD is rated at 15 watts, Intel at 28 watts. This explains the performance split in sustained workloads, as the higher TDP allows Intel to maintain higher all-core clocks despite its lower base frequency. Socket types are incompatible: AMD uses Socket FT6, Intel uses BGA 1449. Release dates are about two years apart: AMD launched on September 19, 2022, Intel on September 1, 2020.

The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $362, which is recorded as a single mention. The AMD part has no launch MSRP in the database. ECC memory support is exclusive to Intel. The part numbers also differ: AMD's is 100-000000770, Intel's is SRK10. Finally, the cache configurations are distinct as noted above, and the process nodes differ (6 nm versus 10 nm).

The Verdict

The data does not declare a single winner; it declares a workload-dependent choice. For users who prioritize single-threaded responsiveness and older benchmark performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is the clear pick. Its single-core wins in both Cinebench R15 and R23, with deltas of 70.5% and 18.5%, respectively, indicate that everyday tasks with modest thread usage will feel snappier on the AMD chip. The lower 15 watt TDP also suggests better power efficiency for thin-and-light designs, though the database does not provide battery life measurements.

For users who need maximum sustained multi-core throughput, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE is the choice. Its 7001 score in Cinebench R23 multi-core is 26.5% ahead of AMD, and the 28 watt TDP allows it to sustain higher all-core operation. This makes it suitable for rendering, video encoding, or compilation tasks where all cores are loaded for extended periods. The ECC memory support adds credibility for error-sensitive workloads, which may outweigh the single-core deficit.

The aggregate scores are nearly identical (2046 versus 2025), and both CPUs sit at the 45th percentile of all CPUs. Therefore, the verdict should be based on the specific benchmark profile that matches the intended use case, not on an overall ranking. Neither chip is a universal victor.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen 5 7520U wins in: Cinebench R15 multi-core (834 versus 705, 18.3% ahead), Cinebench R15 single-core (168.8 versus 99, 70.5% ahead), and Cinebench R23 single-core (1171 versus 988, 18.5% ahead). These wins cover both older multi-threaded tests and all single-threaded tests. The 70.5% single-core delta in R15 is the largest margin in the entire comparison, indicating that the AMD architecture has a substantial advantage in lightly threaded legacy workloads. The base clock of 2.80 GHz, nearly double Intel's 1.50 GHz, likely contributes to this, as does the lower TDP for burst responsiveness.

Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins in: Cinebench R23 multi-core (7001 versus 5149, 26.5% ahead). This is the only recorded win for Intel, but it is a significant one. The R23 multi-core test is the most modern and demanding of the four, and the 26.5% margin shows that Intel's higher TDP (28 watts versus 15 watts) and larger L3 cache (8 MB versus 4 MB) translate into real sustained performance advantages. The ECC memory support is an additional functional win for Intel, as is the Gen 4 PCIe interface, which offers newer connectivity standards. The 8 MB shared L3 cache versus 4 MB on AMD also gives Intel an edge in data-heavy workloads that fit within cache.

In summary, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is the single-core and legacy multi-core specialist, while the Intel Core i5-1145GRE is the modern multi-core workhorse. The choice depends entirely on whether the user's tasks are lightly threaded or heavily threaded. The database's aggregate scores suggest that most users will not notice a dramatic difference in general use, but those who push all-core loads will see Intel's advantage clearly.