AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G vs Intel Core i7-8086K Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a striking split between these two six-core, twelve-thread desktop processors. Across the Cinebench suite, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G wins every round, while the Intel Core i7-8086K takes both Geekbench tests. The margins are consistent within each suite, which suggests the difference comes down to workload characteristics rather than raw core count.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD scores 1379 against Intel's 1206, a 14.3% advantage. The single-core R15 result follows the same pattern: 194 versus 170, again 14.1% in AMD's favor. Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD leads by 14.3% in multicore (5747 vs 5029) and 14.4% in single-core (811 vs 709). Cinebench R23 repeats the story with a 14.3% multicore lead (13685 vs 11975) and a 14.3% single-core lead (1932 vs 1690). These are not marginal wins; they are consistent double-digit gaps across three generations of the Cinebench render test.

The Geekbench results flip the narrative. In Geekbench multicore, the Intel posts 7920 against AMD's 6629, a 16.3% advantage. The single-core Geekbench test shows Intel ahead by 15.1% with 1697 versus 1440. So the AMD part dominates Cinebench in both threaded and single-threaded rendering, while the Intel part dominates Geekbench in both categories. This is a classic case of two different optimization targets producing opposite results.

The average benchmark score in the database gives AMD the overall edge: 3977 versus 3800. That is roughly a 4.7% difference in aggregate performance, though the percentile ranking is close, with AMD at the 57th percentile of all CPUs and Intel at the 56th. The AMD's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5875U (0.2% higher average score) and the Intel Xeon D-2733NT (0.2% lower), while the Intel's neighbors include the Intel Core i7-9700KF (0.3% higher) and the AMD Ryzen 9 4900H (0.5% lower). Both chips sit in a crowded mid-range pack, but the AMD's Cinebench wins give it a higher average.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G is built on TSMC's 7 nm process using the Zen 2 architecture, codenamed Renoir. It packs 9,800 million transistors into a 156 mm² die. The Intel Core i7-8086K uses Intel's 14 nm process with the Coffee Lake architecture, a much older and larger node. The AMD's smaller process node is a key factor in its lower 65 W TDP versus Intel's 95 W.

Cache layouts differ notably. Both have 64 KB of L1 per core, but the AMD uses 512 KB of L2 per core while Intel uses 256 KB per core. The shared L3 cache favors Intel: 12 MB versus 8 MB on the AMD. This larger L3 cache on the Intel part may contribute to its Geekbench performance, which often rewards memory latency and cache efficiency.

Memory bandwidth also differs. The AMD supports dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s of theoretical bandwidth, while the Intel manages 42.7 GB/s under the same dual-channel setup. The AMD supports ECC memory; the Intel does not. Both use PCIe Gen 3, but the Intel's implementation is limited to 16 lanes from the CPU, while the AMD's PCIe configuration is not lane-limited in the same way.

Integrated graphics are present on both. The AMD pairs its CPU cores with Radeon Vega 7 graphics, while the Intel uses UHD Graphics 630. The AMD's iGPU is generally more capable, though the database does not provide direct graphics benchmarks for either.

The AMD runs on Socket AM4 and is a locked multiplier part, meaning no overclocking via the multiplier. The Intel runs on Socket 1151 and has an unlocked multiplier, making it the overclocking-friendly choice. The Intel is marked end-of-life in the database, while the AMD remains active. The Intel's launch MSRP was $425, a figure worth noting once for context, though pricing is not a focus of this analysis.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G is the clear choice for rendering workloads. Its Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 results, both multicore and single-core, beat the Intel by roughly 14% across the board. If your primary tasks involve 3D rendering, video encoding, or any CPU-bound creative work that scales with Cinebench-like instruction patterns, the AMD is the stronger part. The 65 W TDP also makes it easier to cool and more power-efficient in sustained workloads.

The Intel Core i7-8086K wins in Geekbench, a benchmark that emphasizes memory access patterns, branch prediction, and certain integer and floating-point operations. The Geekbench multicore score of 7920 is 16.3% ahead of the AMD, and the single-core score of 1697 is 15.1% ahead. If your software uses Geekbench-like workloads, such as some office productivity suites, web browsing benchmarks, or specific simulation tools, the Intel will feel snappier.

The unlocked multiplier on the Intel is another differentiator. Since the Intel can be overclocked, users who push clock speeds manually may extract additional performance beyond the stock results recorded here. The AMD's locked multiplier means its 4.20 GHz boost clock is the ceiling unless you adjust base clock settings, which is riskier and less effective on AM4.

For ECC memory support, the AMD is the only option. That makes it relevant for small servers, workstations, or anyone who values error-correcting memory. The Intel's lack of ECC support limits it to consumer-grade memory.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G scores 13685 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 14.3% higher than the Intel Core i7-8086K's 11975.

Q: Which CPU wins in Geekbench multicore?

A: The Intel Core i7-8086K scores 7920 in Geekbench multicore, beating the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G's 6629 by 16.3%.

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

A: Yes, both have 6 cores and 12 threads, but they differ in cache, process node, and clock speeds.

Q: Can either CPU support ECC memory?

A: Only the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-8086K does not.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-8086K boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G boosts to 4.20 GHz.

Q: Is the Intel Core i7-8086K overclockable?

A: Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G has a locked multiplier and cannot be overclocked in the same way.

Specification Differences

The recorded data shows these differences between the two processors:

• Process node: AMD uses 7 nm (TSMC); Intel uses 14 nm (Intel)
• Transistor count: AMD has 9,800 million; Intel has no recorded figure
• Die size: AMD is 156 mm²; Intel has no recorded figure
• Base clock: AMD runs at 3.70 GHz; Intel runs at 4.00 GHz
• Boost clock: AMD reaches 4.20 GHz; Intel reaches 5.00 GHz
• TDP: AMD is 65 W; Intel is 95 W
• L2 cache: AMD has 512 KB per core; Intel has 256 KB per core
• L3 cache: AMD has 8 MB shared; Intel has 12 MB shared
• Memory bandwidth: AMD is 51.2 GB/s; Intel is 42.7 GB/s
• ECC support: AMD supports ECC; Intel does not
• PCIe lanes: Intel has 16 lanes from the CPU; AMD's lane count is not specified in the same way
• Socket: AMD uses AM4; Intel uses Socket 1151
• Integrated graphics: AMD uses Radeon Vega 7; Intel uses UHD Graphics 630
• Multiplier: AMD is locked; Intel is unlocked
• Production status: AMD is active; Intel is end-of-life
• Release date: AMD released July 2020; Intel released June 2018
• Launch MSRP: Intel was $425; AMD has no recorded launch MSRP

The Verdict

The data does not deliver a single winner; it delivers a workload split. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G is the better rendering CPU, winning all six Cinebench comparisons by approximately 14% each. It also offers a lower 65 W TDP, ECC memory support, and a modern 7 nm process with a smaller die. For anyone running Cinebench-type workloads, video encoding, or multi-threaded creative tasks, the AMD is the data-backed pick.

The Intel Core i7-8086K is the better Geekbench performer, winning by 15-16% in both single and multicore tests. It has a higher base and boost clock, a larger L3 cache, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. For users whose software aligns with Geekbench's measurement patterns, or those who plan to tune clock speeds manually, the Intel part holds the edge.

The aggregate average benchmark score favors the AMD at 3977 versus 3800, and the percentile ranking is nearly identical (57th vs 56th). The AMD is the more balanced part across the mixed suite, while the Intel is specialized for Geekbench-style tasks and overclocking. Given that the Intel is end-of-life and the AMD remains active, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G is the more future-proof choice in the database's recorded data. Choose the AMD for rendering and efficiency, choose the Intel for Geekbench performance and manual overclocking.