AMD Ryzen 7 2700 vs Intel Core i5-10400H Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 and Intel Core i5-10400H are close in overall average benchmark score, with the Ryzen 7 2700 at 2320 and the Core i5-10400H at 2303, a difference of only 0.7%. Despite this near-parity in aggregate, the two processors have fundamentally different strengths. The Ryzen 7 2700 wins the majority of the head-to-head tests, but the Core i5-10400H claims a decisive victory in single-core performance. This split makes the choice between them a matter of workload rather than raw capability.

Where Each One Wins

The data presents a clear division of labor. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 dominates in multi-threaded workloads, which is consistent with its larger core and thread count. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen 7 2700 scores 1551 against the Intel Core i5-10400H’s 697, representing a massive 122.5% advantage. Similarly, in Geekbench multi-core, the AMD part scores 6475 versus 5000, a 29.5% lead. These results indicate that the Ryzen 7 2700 is the superior choice for rendering, video encoding, and any task that can utilize its 8 cores and 16 threads.

The Intel Core i5-10400H, by contrast, wins the single-core performance contest. In Geekbench single-core, it scores 1413 against the Ryzen 7 2700’s 1094, a 22.6% margin in Intel’s favor. Interestingly, the Intel part also wins in Cinebench R15 single-core, with a score of 98 versus 161 for the AMD chip, a 64.3% difference that actually favors the AMD chip when looking at the raw numbers. Wait, the data shows the winner for Cinebench R15 single-core is the AMD Ryzen 7 2700. This is an unusual result, as it contradicts the Geekbench single-core outcome. The AMD part’s higher base and boost clocks in this specific test may explain its win, but the Intel chip’s lead in Geekbench single-core suggests it has higher peak frequency potential in other scenarios.

The Intel Core i5-10400H also has the advantage in the newer Cinebench R20 and R23 tests, which are not available for the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 in this dataset. It scores 2908 in Cinebench R20 multi-core and 410 in single-core, plus 6924 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 977 in single-core. These results, while not directly comparable to the AMD part, show that the Intel chip can handle current benchmark loads effectively.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different eras and design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is a desktop part built on the 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, using the Zen architecture (specifically Zen+ with Pinnacle Ridge). It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The chip has a 65 W TDP and fits into the AMD Socket AM4. Its cache hierarchy consists of 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen 7 2700 also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking, and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s. It does not have integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU.

The Intel Core i5-10400H is a mobile processor from the 10th generation, built on Intel’s 14 nm process using the Comet Lake architecture (Comet Lake-H). It has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The TDP is lower at 45 W, reflecting its mobile design, and it uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket. The cache is smaller: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. Unlike the AMD part, the Intel chip has integrated UHD Graphics, making it capable of display output without a dedicated GPU. It also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, though the memory bandwidth remains 46.9 GB/s. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking.

The process node difference is significant, with AMD using 12 nm and Intel using 14 nm, yet the Intel chip achieves a higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz versus 4.10 GHz for AMD. This clock advantage likely contributes to Intel’s single-core wins. However, AMD’s larger core count and cache size (16 MB L3 versus 6 MB) drive its multi-core dominance. The transistor count also differs, with the AMD chip containing 4,800 million transistors on a 213 mm² die, while the Intel chip’s transistor count and die size are not specified in the data.

The Verdict

Benchmark results indicate that the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is the clear winner for multi-threaded productivity. With an 122.5% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core and a 29.5% lead in Geekbench multi-core, it is more than twice as fast in the former test. This makes it the preferred choice for users running parallel workloads such as 3D rendering, software compilation, or video editing. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration provides ample parallelism, and the 65 W TDP is reasonable for a desktop part.

The Intel Core i5-10400H is the better option for single-threaded performance, as shown by its 22.6% lead in Geekbench single-core. This advantage is relevant for gaming, where many titles rely on single-core speed, and for applications that are poorly optimized for multiple threads. The integrated GPU also makes it a more self-contained solution for mobile systems. However, its 4-core, 8-thread design limits its multi-core capabilities, as evidenced by the significant deficit in Cinebench R15 multi-core.

The average benchmark scores place the Ryzen 7 2700 at the 48th percentile and the Core i5-10400H at the 47th percentile, indicating they are nearly equivalent in overall CPU performance. The choice ultimately depends on whether the user prioritizes multi-core throughput (choose AMD) or single-core speed and integrated graphics (choose Intel). The data does not support a universal recommendation; it supports a workload-specific one.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 wins in both available multi-core tests. It scores 1551 in Cinebench R15 multi-core versus 697 for the Intel Core i5-10400H, and 6475 in Geekbench multi-core versus 5000.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-10400H have any single-core advantages?

A: Yes. In Geekbench single-core, the Intel chip scores 1413 against the AMD’s 1094, a 22.6% lead. The data shows the AMD part wins Cinebench R15 single-core, but the Geekbench result indicates Intel’s higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz can provide better single-threaded performance.

Q: Are these processors comparable in overall performance?

A: The average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 at 2320 and the Intel Core i5-10400H at 2303. The deltaPct is only 0.7%, meaning they are effectively in the same performance tier.

Q: Can the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 be overclocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked on the AMD Ryzen 7 2700. The Intel Core i5-10400H has a locked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-10400H include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i5-10400H includes UHD Graphics. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 does not have integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.

Q: Which processor has a smaller process node?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is built on a 12 nm process, while the Intel Core i5-10400H uses a 14 nm process. Despite the smaller node, the AMD chip has a lower boost clock of 4.10 GHz versus 4.60 GHz for Intel.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a clear pattern of AMD winning in multi-core and Intel winning in single-core, with one notable exception. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 scores 1551, which is 122.5% higher than the Intel Core i5-10400H’s 697. This is the largest delta in the dataset and underscores the AMD’s core advantage. The 8-core, 16-thread configuration directly outperforms the 4-core, 8-thread Intel part in this rendering workload.

In Geekbench multi-core, the AMD chip again wins, scoring 6475 against 5000. The 29.5% delta is substantial, though smaller than the Cinebench result. This suggests that Geekbench multi-core may scale less perfectly with core count, but the AMD’s lead remains significant.

The single-core results are more nuanced. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 wins with a score of 161 versus 98, a 64.3% margin. This is surprising given Intel’s higher boost clock, but the data is clear. However, in Geekbench single-core, the Intel Core i5-10400H wins decisively with 1413 against 1094, a 22.6% delta in Intel’s favor. The discrepancy between the two single-core tests may reflect differences in how each benchmark utilizes the CPU, but the Intel chip’s 4.60 GHz boost clock likely gives it an edge in workloads that favor raw frequency.

The overall win count is 3 wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 and 1 win for the Intel Core i5-10400H. The AMD part’s wins are all in multi-core or the Cinebench R15 single-core test, while Intel’s sole win is in Geekbench single-core. The average benchmark scores, at 2320 for AMD and 2303 for Intel, confirm that the AMD’s multi-core advantage outweighs Intel’s single-core edge in the aggregate. For users who rely on multi-threaded applications, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is the data-backed choice; for those who prioritize single-core performance, the Intel Core i5-10400H is the better fit.