AMD Ryzen 7 1700 vs Intel Core i7-7700T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results present a clear split between these two processors, with the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 dominating multi-threaded workloads while the Intel Core i7-7700T claims victory in one specific single-threaded test. Across the four head-to-head comparisons recorded in the database, the Ryzen 7 1700 wins three, while the Intel part takes one. The magnitude of the wins, however, tells a more interesting story than the simple tally.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen 7 1700 scores 1414 against 646 for the i7-7700T. That is a 54.3% advantage for the AMD processor. This is the largest gap between the two chips in any test. The Ryzen 7 1700 more than doubles the Intel part's output in this workload. The reason becomes apparent when looking at core counts, but the sheer scale of the difference is worth emphasizing. A 54.3% deficit means the i7-7700T would need substantial clock speed advantages to close the gap, yet its boost clock of 3.80 GHz is only slightly higher than the Ryzen's 3.70 GHz. The extra four cores and eight threads on the AMD side simply overwhelm the Intel processor in this heavily parallel workload.

Cinebench R15 single-core shows a different pattern, though the winner remains the same. The Ryzen 7 1700 scores 147, while the i7-7700T scores 91. This is a 38.1% advantage for AMD. This result is somewhat surprising given the architectural differences. The i7-7700T carries a higher boost clock at 3.80 GHz compared to 3.70 GHz on the Ryzen, yet the AMD chip still wins by a wide margin in this single-threaded test. The data indicates the Zen architecture's single-thread performance at similar clock speeds was competitive with Kaby Lake, at least in this specific benchmark version.

Geekbench multi-core continues the pattern. The Ryzen 7 1700 posts 5475, while the i7-7700T manages 3938. The 28.1% delta again favors AMD. While this is a smaller margin than the Cinebench R15 multi-core result, it is still a decisive victory. The Ryzen 7 1700's additional cores and threads provide a substantial throughput advantage in Geekbench's multi-core suite, though the gap narrows compared to Cinebench. This suggests the workloads in Geekbench scale somewhat differently, perhaps relying more on memory latency or other factors where the Intel architecture holds up better relative to its core count disadvantage.

The one test where the Intel Core i7-7700T comes out ahead is Geekbench single-core. Here, the i7-7700T scores 1248 against 1023 for the Ryzen 7 1700, a 22% advantage for Intel. This is the only head-to-head test where the Intel part wins, and it is a meaningful margin. The higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz, combined with the older but higher-clocked Kaby Lake architecture, delivers a clear single-threaded performance edge. The 22% gap is substantial and indicates that for lightly threaded applications, the i7-7700T is the stronger choice despite having fewer cores overall.

Both processors land at the 45th percentile when compared against all CPUs in the database. Their average benchmark scores are remarkably close: 2039 for the i7-7700T and 2015 for the Ryzen 7 1700, a difference of roughly 1%. This near parity in aggregate score, despite the very different benchmark outcomes, reflects how the two chips achieve their results through different means. The Intel part relies on higher single-thread performance and lower power consumption, while the AMD part leans on core count and thread count. The nearest rivals for the i7-7700T include the AMD Opteron 6386 SE at 2038 (0.1% difference), the Intel Core i7-3960X at 2037 (0.1% difference), the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 at 2043 (0.2% behind), and the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U at 2035 (0.2% behind). The Ryzen 7 1700's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B at 2012 (0.2% behind), the Intel Core i5-1145GRE at 2025 (0.5% ahead), the Intel Core i5-8300H at 2005 (0.5% behind), and the Intel Xeon D-1712TR at 2004 (0.5% behind). These rival clusters show that both CPUs sit in a dense performance band where many processors deliver similar average scores.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is fundamental. The Intel Core i7-7700T uses the Kaby Lake architecture, built on a 14 nm process at Intel's foundry. The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 uses the Zen architecture, also on a 14 nm process, but fabricated by GlobalFoundries. Both chips are therefore on the same process node, which puts the performance differences down to microarchitecture, core counts, and design choices rather than manufacturing technology.

Core and thread counts differ dramatically. The i7-7700T has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Ryzen 7 1700 has 8 cores and 16 threads. This is a 2x difference in both metrics. The Ryzen 7 1700 also reports a transistor count of 4,800 million and a die size of 213 mm², whereas the Intel part does not list transistor or die size data in the database. The larger AMD die accommodates twice the cores, along with a substantially larger cache hierarchy.

Cache configurations show significant divergence. The i7-7700T has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen 7 1700 has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part doubles the L3 cache and provides larger L1 and L2 allocations per core. This larger cache hierarchy likely contributes to the Ryzen's strong multi-threaded performance, as more data can reside closer to the cores.

Clock speeds are relatively close. The i7-7700T has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Ryzen 7 1700 has a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The Intel part has a 0.10 GHz higher boost clock, while the AMD part has a 0.10 GHz higher base clock. These differences are small and do not explain the large performance gaps observed in multi-threaded tests.

Memory support is similar in type but differs in bandwidth. Both support DDR4 with dual-channel memory buses. The i7-7700T lists memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the Ryzen 7 1700 lists 42.7 GB/s. The AMD part therefore has roughly 11% higher theoretical memory bandwidth. ECC memory support is another differentiator: the Ryzen 7 1700 supports ECC memory, while the i7-7700T does not. This makes the AMD processor more suitable for certain workstation or server-adjacent workloads where data integrity is critical.

Integrated graphics present a major contrast. The i7-7700T includes Intel HD 630 integrated graphics, while the Ryzen 7 1700 has no integrated graphics at all. For systems without a discrete GPU, the Intel part can output video directly, whereas the Ryzen 7 1700 requires a separate graphics card. This is a practical consideration for system builders, though neither chip is marketed primarily for its graphics capabilities.

Both processors use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The sockets differ as expected: Intel Socket 1151 for the i7-7700T and AMD Socket AM4 for the Ryzen 7 1700. The Ryzen 7 1700 has an unlocked multiplier, while the i7-7700T does not. This means the AMD part can be overclocked more freely, assuming an appropriate motherboard and cooling solution. The i7-7700T is locked, limiting overclocking headroom. The Ryzen 7 1700 also has a higher TDP at 65 watts compared to 35 watts for the i7-7700T, reflecting the additional cores and the power they require.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 7 1700 is the clear winner for multi-threaded workloads. Its 54.3% advantage in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 28.1% advantage in Geekbench multi-core indicate that rendering, video encoding, compilation, scientific computing, and other parallel tasks will run substantially faster on the AMD part. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration provides the raw throughput needed for these workloads. The larger L3 cache at 16 MB and higher memory bandwidth at 42.7 GB/s also support sustained multi-threaded operation. For users who regularly run heavily threaded applications, the data strongly favors the Ryzen 7 1700.

The Intel Core i7-7700T wins in Geekbench single-core by 22%. This makes it the better choice for lightly threaded applications that depend on single-thread performance. Older games, certain legacy software, and applications with poor multi-threading support will run faster on the Intel chip. The 3.80 GHz boost clock gives the i7-7700T an edge in these scenarios. However, the Cinebench R15 single-core result complicates this picture, as the Ryzen 7 1700 wins that test by 38.1%. The discrepancy between Geekbench single-core and Cinebench R15 single-core suggests that the specific workload matters. The i7-7700T wins one single-threaded test, while the Ryzen wins the other. Users should consider which benchmark better reflects their actual applications.

For power-constrained environments, the i7-7700T holds an advantage with its 35 W TDP compared to 65 W for the Ryzen 7 1700. This lower power draw makes the Intel part suitable for compact systems, small form factor builds, or always-on machines where heat and electricity usage are concerns. The integrated HD 630 graphics also mean the i7-7700T can run without a discrete GPU, further reducing system power requirements and cost of assembly, though pricing considerations are not part of this analysis.

The Ryzen 7 1700 offers ECC memory support, a feature absent from the i7-7700T. This positions the AMD part for users who require error-correcting memory for data-sensitive workloads. The unlocked multiplier on the Ryzen 7 1700 also gives enthusiasts the option to push clock speeds higher, though the database does not include overclocked benchmark results. The Intel part's locked multiplier limits such adjustments.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i7-7700T has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Ryzen 7 1700 doubles both metrics.

Q: How much faster is the Ryzen 7 1700 in multi-core Cinebench R15?

A: The Ryzen 7 1700 scores 1414 against 646 for the i7-7700T, a 54.3% advantage. This is the largest performance gap between the two chips in any recorded test.

Q: Does the Intel Core i7-7700T win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the i7-7700T wins Geekbench single-core with a score of 1248 against 1023 for the Ryzen 7 1700, a 22% advantage. It loses the other three head-to-head tests.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-7700T includes HD 630 integrated graphics, while the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 has no integrated graphics and requires a separate GPU for display output.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-7700T does not.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-7700T has an average benchmark score of 2039, while the Ryzen 7 1700 has 2015. Both sit at the 45th percentile among all CPUs in the database, making them nearly equivalent in aggregate performance.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification areas. Core count: 4 cores for the i7-7700T versus 8 cores for the Ryzen 7 1700. Thread count: 8 threads versus 16 threads. Base clock: 2.90 GHz versus 3.00 GHz. Boost clock: 3.80 GHz versus 3.70 GHz. TDP: 35 watts versus 65 watts. Socket: Intel Socket 1151 versus AMD Socket AM4. Architecture: Kaby Lake versus Zen. Foundry: Intel versus GlobalFoundries. Transistors: not listed for Intel, 4,800 million for AMD. Die size: not listed for Intel, 213 mm² for AMD. L1 cache: 64 KB per core versus 96 KB per core. L2 cache: 256 KB per core versus 512 KB per core. L3 cache: 8 MB shared versus 16 MB shared. Memory bandwidth: 38.4 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s. ECC memory: not supported versus supported. Integrated graphics: HD 630 versus none. Multiplier unlocked: no versus yes. Part number: SR339 versus YD1700BBAEBOX. Release date: January 2017 versus March 2017. The Ryzen 7 1700 has a launch MSRP of $329.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward conclusion for multi-threaded workloads: the AMD Ryzen 7 1700 is the stronger processor. Its 54.3% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 28.1% lead in Geekbench multi-core are decisive. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration, larger caches, higher memory bandwidth, and ECC support make it the appropriate choice for rendering, content creation, scientific computing, and any workload that scales across cores. The unlocked multiplier also allows for overclocking, though the database does not include overclocked results.

The Intel Core i7-7700T is the pick for single-thread-sensitive applications, based on its 22% Geekbench single-core win. Its lower 35 W TDP and integrated HD 630 graphics make it suitable for compact, low-power systems that do not require a discrete GPU. Users prioritizing power efficiency and the ability to run without a separate graphics card should favor the i7-7700T.

The Cinebench R15 single-core result, where the Ryzen 7 1700 wins by 38.1%, introduces a caveat. The two single-threaded benchmarks disagree, so the choice depends on which test better mirrors the user's actual applications. For most users running a mix of workloads, the Ryzen 7 1700's multi-threaded dominance likely matters more, given that modern operating systems and applications increasingly use multiple threads. The near-identical average benchmark scores (2039 against 2015) and matching 45th percentile rankings show that neither chip is universally superior, but their strengths lie in different domains. Choose the Ryzen 7 1700 for parallel throughput and ECC support; choose the i7-7700T for single-threaded speed, lower power draw, and integrated graphics.