AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE vs Intel Core i5-8279U Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark comparisons?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE wins 6 of the 8 recorded head-to-head tests. The Intel Core i5-8279U wins the remaining 2.

Q: How large is the AMD's multi-core advantage in Cinebench?

A: The AMD leads by 2.5% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. Its scores are 650 vs 634, 2711 vs 2643, and 6457 vs 6294 respectively.

Q: Where does the Intel chip outperform the AMD chip?

A: The Intel Core i5-8279U wins both Geekbench tests. It scores 13.4% higher in multi-core (3764 vs 3318) and 8.9% higher in single-core (1209 vs 1110).

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each chip?

A: The Intel Core i5-8279U has an average benchmark score of 1987, while the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE averages 1954.

Q: How do their overall CPU percentiles compare?

A: Both processors sit at the 44th percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-8279U is built on Coffee Lake-U architecture, fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process at Intel's foundry. It packs 2,300 million transistors on a 126 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE uses Zen+ architecture with the Picasso codename, manufactured by GlobalFoundries on a 12 nm process. This AMD chip contains 4,940 million transistors across a 210 mm² die, more than double the transistor count of the Intel part.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Intel chip provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD chip has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, but only 4 MB of shared L3. This means the AMD has larger per-core caches but a smaller shared pool.

The integrated graphics present a major architectural split. Intel pairs the i5-8279U with Iris Pro Plus 655 graphics, while AMD uses Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics. The memory controller on the AMD chip offers higher bandwidth: 46.9 GB/s versus 34.1 GB/s on the Intel part, both using dual-channel DDR4.

PCIe capabilities also differ. The Intel chip lists Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD lists simply Gen 3 without a lane count. The AMD supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the Intel chip. The Intel processor uses the BGA 1526 socket, making it a mobile soldered part, while the AMD uses Socket AM4, a desktop platform.

The Intel chip has a 28 W TDP, while the AMD draws 35 W. The Intel part is end-of-life in production status, whereas the AMD remains active. The Intel chip was released on April 2, 2019, and the AMD followed on September 29, 2019. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $320; the AMD has no recorded launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between synthetic rendering workloads and general-purpose system benchmarks. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE dominates all six Cinebench tests, spanning R15, R20, and R23 in both multi-core and single-core variants. In multi-core Cinebench tests, the AMD consistently leads by 2.5% across all three versions. In single-core Cinebench tests, the AMD leads by 2.2% in R15, 2.6% in R20, and 2.5% in R23. This suggests the AMD's higher base clock of 3.30 GHz, compared to 2.40 GHz on the Intel, contributes to its consistent edge in these CPU-bound rendering tasks.

The Intel Core i5-8279U wins decisively in Geekbench, the other benchmark suite in the database. Its multi-core score of 3764 is 13.4% higher than the AMD's 3318, and its single-core score of 1209 beats the AMD's 1110 by 8.9%. This indicates the Intel architecture handles Geekbench's mixed workload patterns more efficiently despite its lower base clock. The Intel chip's boost clock of 4.10 GHz, slightly higher than the AMD's 4.00 GHz, may contribute to this result.

For users prioritizing Cinebench-style rendering workloads, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE is the stronger choice based on recorded data. For general system performance as measured by Geekbench, the Intel Core i5-8279U takes the lead. The AMD also offers ECC memory support, which may matter for specific professional use cases, while the Intel's lower 28 W TDP suits power-constrained mobile designs.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specifications recorded in the database:

• Process node: Intel uses 14 nm; AMD uses 12 nm.
• Foundry: Intel fabricates its own chip; GlobalFoundries produces the AMD.
• Transistors: Intel has 2,300 million; AMD has 4,940 million.
• Die size: Intel measures 126 mm²; AMD measures 210 mm².
• Base clock: Intel runs at 2.40 GHz; AMD runs at 3.30 GHz.
• Boost clock: Intel reaches 4.10 GHz; AMD reaches 4.00 GHz.
• TDP: Intel is rated at 28 W; AMD is rated at 35 W.
• Socket: Intel uses BGA 1526; AMD uses Socket AM4.
• L1 cache per core: Intel has 64 KB; AMD has 96 KB.
• L2 cache per core: Intel has 256 KB; AMD has 512 KB.
• L3 cache shared: Intel has 6 MB; AMD has 4 MB.
• Memory bandwidth: Intel provides 34.1 GB/s; AMD provides 46.9 GB/s.
• ECC memory: Intel does not support it; AMD does.
• Integrated graphics: Intel uses Iris Pro Plus 655; AMD uses Radeon RX Vega 11.
• Market segment: Intel targets mobile; AMD targets desktop.
• Production status: Intel is end-of-life; AMD is active.
• Release date: Intel launched April 2, 2019; AMD launched September 29, 2019.
• PCIe: Intel lists Gen 3, 16 lanes (CPU only); AMD lists Gen 3 with no lane count.
• Part number: Intel is SREZ0; AMD is YD340BC6M4MFH.

Both processors share 4 cores, 8 threads, dual-channel DDR4 memory support, and no unlocked multiplier.

The Verdict

The data presents a nuanced picture. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE wins 6 of 8 head-to-head tests, but the Intel Core i5-8279U wins the two Geekbench tests by large margins of 13.4% and 8.9%. Both processors sit at the same 44th percentile overall, and their average benchmark scores are close: 1987 for Intel versus 1954 for AMD.

For rendering workloads, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE is the clear pick. Its consistent 2.5% lead across all Cinebench multi-core tests, plus its single-core advantages in the same suite, make it the better choice for Cinebench-style tasks. The AMD also brings ECC memory support and higher memory bandwidth, which may appeal to specific professional or stability-focused builds.

For general-purpose performance as measured by Geekbench, the Intel Core i5-8279U is superior. Its 13.4% multi-core and 8.9% single-core advantages are significant, and its lower 28 W TDP makes it attractive for mobile platforms where power efficiency matters. However, the Intel chip is end-of-life, which limits its long-term availability.

Desktop users with AM4 motherboards should favor the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE, given its active production status and socket compatibility. Mobile users who need the Geekbench performance edge may seek out the Intel i5-8279U despite its end-of-life status. The choice ultimately depends on which benchmark suite aligns with the user's actual workload.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a consistent pattern across the Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 650 versus the Intel's 634, a 2.5% advantage. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD leads 91 to 89, a 2.2% edge. Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD wins multi-core 2711 to 2643 (2.5% ahead) and single-core 382 to 372 (2.6% ahead). The pattern holds in Cinebench R23: AMD wins multi-core 6457 to 6294 (2.5% ahead) and single-core 911 to 888 (2.5% ahead).

The Intel Core i5-8279U's wins come exclusively in Geekbench. In Geekbench multi-core, the Intel scores 3764 versus the AMD's 3318, a substantial 13.4% lead. In Geekbench single-core, the Intel scores 1209 versus 1110, an 8.9% advantage.

The largest margin in either direction is the Intel's 13.4% Geekbench multi-core win. The smallest margins are the AMD's 2.2% win in Cinebench R15 single-core and the 2.5% wins across most other Cinebench tests. Interestingly, the AMD wins all rendering tests by a narrow but consistent margin, while the Intel wins the general benchmark tests by a much wider margin. This suggests the two architectures have fundamentally different strengths: AMD's higher base clock helps in sustained rendering, while Intel's design excels in Geekbench's workload profile.

The avgBenchmarkScore comparison shows the Intel at 1987, just 33 points above the AMD's 1954. The Intel's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1756B (1986, 0.1% delta), Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 (1989, -0.1%), Intel Xeon E3-1285L v4 (1991, -0.2%), and AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (1992, -0.2%). The AMD's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-8709G (1950, 0.2%), Intel Core i7-3930K (1960, -0.3%), Intel Core i5-1035G7 (1948, 0.3%), and Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5 (1947, 0.4%). Both chips sit within 0.4% of their closest competitors, placing them in a tightly contested performance tier.