AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE vs Intel Core i7-11700K Comparison

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i7-11700K defeats the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE in every single head-to-head benchmark recorded, with a 17-0 sweep. Despite near-identical average benchmark scores (25,880 vs. 25,812, a 0.3% edge for AMD), the Intel part wins each individual test, often by substantial margins. The overall averages are pulled together by AMD’s strong showing in specific workloads, but the Intel processor’s consistent dominance across all 17 shared tests makes it the clear performance leader in this comparison.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-11700K’s most decisive victories come in multi-threaded and compute-heavy workloads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, Intel scores 20,666 against AMD’s 15,504, a 25% advantage. The pattern repeats across all Cinebench versions: R15 multi-core shows Intel at 2,082 versus 1,562 (-25%), R20 multi-core shows 8,679 versus 6,511 (-25%), and R23 single-core shows 2,917 versus 2,188 (-25%). These are not marginal wins; they represent a consistent, generational gap in sustained multi-core throughput.

The largest deltas appear in specialized PassMark tests. Intel leads by 37.6% in physics (1,039 vs. 648), by 35.3% in random string sorting (36,755 vs. 23,769), and by 31.6% in extended instructions (22,964 vs. 15,714). Data compression shows a 29.3% gap (322,689 vs. 228,037), while find prime numbers trails at 25.8% (66 vs. 49). These results indicate that the Intel processor’s advantage grows with workload complexity and instruction-level parallelism, not just raw core count.

Even in tests where AMD is expected to compete, Intel holds the edge. Floating point math shows Intel at 51,119 versus 38,204 (-25.3%), and integer math at 86,390 versus 67,582 (-21.8%). The PassMark multi-thread score favors Intel at 24,408 versus 18,057 (-26%). The narrowest margin is in single-threaded performance: Intel scores 3,390 versus 3,240 (-4.4%) in both PassMark single-thread and singlethread tests. This small delta in single-core speed is the only area where the two processors are closely matched, suggesting that AMD’s Zen 3 architecture delivers competitive per-core efficiency despite losing on overall throughput.

Data encryption is the second-closest benchmark, with Intel at 15,638 versus 14,509 (-7.2%). This relatively modest gap, combined with the 4.4% single-thread difference, shows that AMD’s architecture is not without merit. However, the overall picture is one of Intel dominance. The average benchmark score for the Intel part is 25,812, which is only 0.3% lower than AMD’s 25,880, but this average masks the fact that Intel wins every test. The AMD processor’s average is boosted by its performance in tests not shared in the head-to-head set, but in direct competition, Intel wins outright.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-11700K wins in every measurable category from the provided data. For users prioritizing multi-threaded rendering, video encoding, or any workload that scales across cores, the Intel part’s 8 cores and 16 threads (versus AMD’s 6 cores and 12 threads) deliver a 25% advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core. The same holds for physics simulations, where Intel’s 37.6% lead in PassMark physics makes it the superior choice for gaming physics or scientific computation. Data-heavy tasks like compression and sorting also favor Intel, with 29.3% and 35.3% leads respectively.

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE does not win a single head-to-head benchmark, but its average benchmark score is slightly higher (25,880 vs. 25,812). This suggests that AMD performs better in tests not shared in the direct comparison, likely due to its 7 nm process node and Zen 3 architecture offering better efficiency in certain workloads. The AMD part’s single-thread score of 3,240 is only 4.4% behind Intel’s 3,390, making it a viable option for lightly-threaded applications where the gap is small. Additionally, AMD supports ECC memory (true vs. false for Intel), which is a feature advantage for workstation reliability, though it does not appear in benchmark scores.

For users who need the absolute fastest multi-core performance, the Intel part is the clear winner. For users who value energy efficiency (65W TDP vs. 125W) or require ECC memory support, the AMD part offers qualitative advantages, but these do not translate into benchmark victories. The Intel processor’s 5.00 GHz boost clock versus AMD’s 4.40 GHz explains much of the single-thread edge, while its higher core count explains the multi-thread dominance.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE has an average benchmark score of 25,880, which is 0.3% higher than the Intel Core i7-11700K’s 25,812. However, this does not reflect head-to-head results, where Intel wins all 17 shared tests.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest delta is in PassMark physics, where the Intel Core i7-11700K scores 1,039 versus AMD’s 648, a 37.6% advantage. The smallest gap is in PassMark single-thread, where Intel leads by just 4.4% (3,390 vs. 3,240).

Q: Does the AMD processor win any benchmark?

A: No. In the 17 head-to-head benchmarks provided, the Intel Core i7-11700K wins every single one. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE has zero wins (winsA: 0) versus Intel’s 17 wins (winsB: 17).

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 scores compare?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, Intel scores 20,666 versus AMD’s 15,504, a 25% lead. In single-core, Intel scores 2,917 versus 2,188, also a 25% lead.

Q: Is the AMD processor more efficient?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE has a TDP of 65W, while the Intel Core i7-11700K has a TDP of 125W. The AMD part also uses a 7 nm process node compared to Intel’s 14 nm, indicating better power efficiency per watt.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-11700K has a launch MSRP of $399. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE has no launch MSRP listed in the data.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i7-11700K has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.40 GHz for AMD and 3.60 GHz for Intel; boost clocks are 4.40 GHz and 5.00 GHz respectively. TDP is 65W for AMD and 125W for Intel. The AMD part uses AMD Socket AM4, while Intel uses Intel Socket 1200. AMD’s process node is 7 nm (TSMC), while Intel’s is 14 nm (Intel foundry). Transistor count is 10,700 million for AMD; Intel’s is not listed. Die size is 180 mm² for AMD; Intel’s is not listed.

Cache configurations differ: AMD has 64 KB L1 per core and 512 KB L2 per core, with 16 MB L3. Intel has 80 KB L1 per core and 512 KB L2 per core, with 16 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR4 dual-channel for both, with identical 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported by AMD (true) but not by Intel (false). PCIe is Gen 3 with 16 lanes for AMD, versus Gen 4 with 20 lanes for Intel. Integrated graphics are Radeon Vega 7 for AMD and UHD Graphics 750 for Intel. The Intel part has an unlocked multiplier (true) while AMD’s is locked (false). AMD’s release date is 2024-05-06, while Intel’s is 2021-03-15. Intel’s production status is End-of-life, while AMD’s is Active.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide is stark. AMD uses Zen 3 architecture on the Cezanne codename, fabricated on a 7 nm process at TSMC. Intel uses Rocket Lake architecture on the Rocket Lake codename, built on a 14 nm process at Intel. This process node difference (7 nm vs. 14 nm) explains AMD’s lower TDP (65W vs. 125W) despite similar transistor counts (10,700 million for AMD; Intel’s is not listed). AMD’s die size is 180 mm²; Intel’s is not listed.

The core designs differ fundamentally. AMD’s Zen 3 uses 64 KB L1 per core, while Intel’s Rocket Lake uses 80 KB L1 per core. Both have 512 KB L2 per core, but AMD’s L3 is 16 MB (not specified as shared) while Intel’s is 16 MB shared. The Intel part supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while AMD is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes — a significant difference for storage and GPU bandwidth. ECC memory support is exclusive to AMD, and Intel’s integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 750 versus AMD’s Radeon Vega 7.

Intel’s unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, while AMD’s is locked. The Intel part is end-of-life, while AMD remains active in production. The release dates are separated by over three years (AMD: 2024-05-06; Intel: 2021-03-15), yet the Intel part still wins all benchmarks, highlighting the performance gap that the newer AMD part cannot close.

The Verdict

Choose the Intel Core i7-11700K if you need maximum performance in multi-threaded workloads. The data shows a 25% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core, a 37.6% lead in physics, and a 29.3% lead in data compression. It also offers a higher boost clock (5.00 GHz vs. 4.40 GHz) and more cores (8 vs. 6). The unlocked multiplier is a bonus for overclocking, and PCIe Gen 4 support is forward-looking.

Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE if you prioritize efficiency or specific platform features. Its 65W TDP is roughly half of Intel’s 125W, and its 7 nm process node suggests better power-per-watt. It supports ECC memory, which is absent on Intel. Its single-thread performance is only 4.4% behind, making it competitive for lightly-threaded tasks. The higher average benchmark score (25,880 vs. 25,812) indicates AMD wins in tests not in the shared set, but in direct competition, Intel wins every round.

The verdict is straightforward: the Intel Core i7-11700K is the faster processor in every shared benchmark, and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE is the more efficient, feature-complete alternative for specific use cases. The 17-0 head-to-head sweep is decisive.