AMD Ryzen 5 7520U vs Intel Core i7-8705G Comparison

The Intel Core i7-8705G and AMD Ryzen 5 7520U present a fascinating split decision. Both are 4-core, 8-thread mobile processors, yet their benchmark results tell two very different stories depending on the workload. The data reveals a clear generational divide: the older Intel chip, built on a 14 nm process, dominates in some modern multi-threaded tests, while the newer AMD part, on a 6 nm node, counters with superior single-threaded performance and efficiency. This is not a simple "newer is better" case, and the numbers below show exactly why.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark suite reveals a tug-of-war between the two processors, with each claiming victory in three of the six tests. The most dramatic swing occurs in Cinebench R23, where the Intel Core i7-8705G posts a multicore score of 6464, a massive 25.5% lead over the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U’s 5149. This is counterintuitive given the AMD part’s newer architecture, but the Intel chip’s higher 65W TDP likely allows it to sustain boost clocks across all cores for longer, translating to a significant advantage in heavily threaded rendering workloads.

However, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U flips the script in the older Cinebench R15 multicore test, scoring 834 versus Intel’s 651, a 21.9% advantage for AMD. The gap here is stark, and it suggests that the Ryzen’s Zen 2 architecture scales much better in this specific legacy benchmark. The single-core picture is even more lopsided: the AMD chip wins Cinebench R15 single-core with 168.8 points against Intel’s 91, an enormous 46.1% delta, and also takes Cinebench R23 single-core at 1171 versus 912, a 22.1% lead. These single-threaded results point to a fundamentally more efficient core design from AMD, despite the Intel part’s higher 4.10 GHz boost clock versus AMD’s 4.30 GHz.

The Geekbench tests add yet another layer of complexity. Here, the Intel Core i7-8705G wins both multi-core and single-core, scoring 3968 and 1277 respectively, compared to AMD’s 3766 and 1185. The margins are smaller—5.4% and 7.8%—but they show that Intel’s Kaby Lake architecture is not universally slower. In fact, these Geekbench wins suggest that the Intel chip’s higher base clock of 3.10 GHz (versus AMD’s 2.80 GHz) helps it in more general-purpose workloads that don’t rely solely on peak single-thread burst performance. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical—2058 for Intel and 2046 for AMD—placing both in the 45th and 46th percentiles of all CPUs, respectively, but the distribution of wins is anything but even.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is the superior choice for single-threaded performance, winning three separate tests by double-digit margins in two of them. If your workflow involves legacy single-core applications or tasks that are lightly threaded, the AMD part is unequivocally faster. The 46.1% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core is not a minor difference; it is a generational leap in per-core efficiency. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-8705G is the pick for modern multi-threaded rendering, as evidenced by its 25.5% victory in Cinebench R23 multi-core. For users running current video encoding or 3D rendering software that can utilize all 8 threads, the Intel chip’s sustained multi-core performance is a clear advantage.

The Geekbench results are the tiebreaker for mixed usage. Intel wins both, suggesting that the i7-8705G offers a more balanced experience for everyday multitasking and general productivity. However, the AMD part’s 15W TDP versus Intel’s 65W TDP is a crucial factor not reflected in raw scores. The Ryzen 5 7520U achieves its performance at a fraction of the power draw, which translates to longer battery life and less heat in thin-and-light laptops. For a mobile user, this efficiency advantage could outweigh the raw performance differences. Ultimately, choose Intel for heavy multi-threaded compute and AMD for single-threaded tasks and power-sensitive designs.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U scores 1171, which is 22.1% higher than the Intel Core i7-8705G’s 912.

Q: In which benchmark does the Intel Core i7-8705G show the largest performance advantage?

A: The Intel chip’s biggest win is in Cinebench R23 multicore, where it scores 6464, a 25.5% lead over the AMD’s 5149.

Q: How do the two processors compare in the Geekbench multicore test?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G wins with a score of 3968, a 5.4% margin over the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U’s 3766.

Q: What is the difference in their power consumption ratings?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has a TDP of 65 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has 4 MB.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has an average benchmark score of 2058, and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has an average score of 2046.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications beyond their benchmark scores. The Intel Core i7-8705G has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has a lower base clock of 2.80 GHz but a higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The TDP is a major differentiator: Intel’s part is rated at 65 watts, while AMD’s is just 15 watts. They use different sockets—Intel BGA 2270 for the i7-8705G and AMD Socket FT6 for the Ryzen—and support different memory types: the Intel chip uses DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the AMD chip uses LPDDR5 with a much higher bandwidth of 88.0 GB/s. The PCIe support also differs, with Intel offering Gen 3 with 8 lanes and AMD offering Gen 3 with 4 lanes. Additionally, the Intel part has a die size of 125 mm², while the AMD chip is 100 mm².

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide is fundamental. The Intel Core i7-8705G is built on a 14 nm process from Intel’s own foundry, using the Kaby Lake architecture. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is fabricated on a 6 nm process by TSMC, using the Zen 2 architecture. This process difference is a major reason for the power efficiency gap—AMD’s smaller node allows for a 15W TDP versus Intel’s 65W. The L2 cache differs as well, with Intel providing 256 KB per core and AMD providing 512 KB per core. The integrated graphics are also distinct: the Intel chip features Intel HD Graphics 630, while the AMD chip includes Radeon 610M. The release dates show a significant age gap, with Intel launching in January 2018 and AMD in September 2022. The Intel part is marked as end-of-life, while the AMD chip is active. The Intel Core i7-8705G has a part number of SR3RK, and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is 100-000000770.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-8705G wins in scenarios that stress all cores simultaneously, particularly in modern Cinebench R23 multicore workloads where its 25.5% lead is decisive. It also holds advantages in Geekbench multicore and single-core tests, suggesting it is better suited for general-purpose productivity and multitasking. The higher 65W TDP indicates it can sustain heavy loads, making it a fit for mobile workstations that need consistent multi-threaded rendering performance.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U wins in legacy single-threaded benchmarks, with a massive 46.1% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core and a 22.1% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core. Its 15W TDP makes it the clear winner for ultraportable laptops where battery life and thermal management are critical. The higher memory bandwidth of 88.0 GB/s also gives it an edge in memory-intensive tasks. For users prioritizing single-threaded responsiveness and efficiency, the AMD chip is the data-backed choice.