AMD Ryzen 7 5800H vs Intel Core i5-11500 Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11500 and AMD Ryzen 7 5800H represent two distinct approaches to eight-thread-plus computing, with the former a desktop part built on a 14 nm process and the latter a mobile chip fabricated on a 7 nm node. Benchmark data shows a split decision: the AMD part wins 10 of 15 direct comparisons, while the Intel chip takes 5, yet the overall average benchmark scores are remarkably close—23718 for the Intel versus 23277 for the AMD. This places both processors at the 76th percentile among all CPUs, indicating that despite their architectural and market differences, they deliver broadly similar aggregate performance, albeit with very different strengths in specific workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core i5-11500 scores 2049 in Cinebench R23 single-core, which is 44.7% higher than the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H’s score of 1416.

Q: How does the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H perform in multi-threaded Cinebench R15?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H scores 2005 in Cinebench R15 multicore, outperforming the Intel Core i5-11500’s 1462 by 27.1%.

Q: Which processor has a higher core and thread count?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-11500 has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the difference in process node between the two chips?

A: The Intel Core i5-11500 uses a 14 nm process, whereas the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H is built on a 7 nm process from TSMC.

Q: Which CPU wins in PassMark integer math performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H leads in PassMark integer math with a score of 80786, which is 27.8% higher than the Intel Core i5-11500’s 58352.

Q: Do both processors have the same memory bandwidth?

A: No, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H has a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s, while the Intel Core i5-11500 has 51.2 GB/s, both using dual-channel DDR4.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-11500 is a desktop processor based on the Rocket Lake architecture, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads. It operates at a base clock of 2.70 GHz with a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, and carries a TDP of 65 watts. The chip is manufactured on Intel’s 14 nm process with a die size of 276 mm², and it uses the Intel Socket 1200. Cache configuration includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is dual-channel DDR4 with a theoretical bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, and the processor provides PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are provided by UHD Graphics 750, and the part is marked as end-of-life with a launch MSRP of $192.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H is a mobile processor from the 5000 series, built on the Zen 3 architecture under the Cezanne codename. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, within a 45-watt TDP. The chip is fabricated on TSMC’s 7 nm process with a die size of 180 mm² and contains 10,700 million transistors. It uses the AMD Socket FP6 and features 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a larger 16 MB shared L3 cache. Memory support is also dual-channel DDR4, but with a higher bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. The PCIe interface is Gen 3, and integrated graphics come from Radeon Vega 8. The production status is active, and it was released earlier than the Intel part.

The most significant architectural differences are the process node, core count, and cache hierarchy. The AMD chip’s 7 nm process versus Intel’s 14 nm process explains its smaller die size and higher transistor density. The extra 2 cores and 4 threads on the AMD part provide a natural advantage in heavily threaded workloads, while the Intel chip compensates with a higher boost clock and larger L1 cache per core.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H is the stronger choice for multi-threaded and data-intensive tasks, as it wins the majority of the head-to-head comparisons. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD part leads by 27.1%, and in PassMark tests for data compression, encryption, floating point math, and integer math, it consistently outperforms the Intel chip by margins ranging from 17% to 37.6%. The AMD processor also has a higher core count, more L3 cache, and greater memory bandwidth, all of which contribute to its dominance in parallel workloads.

The Intel Core i5-11500, however, is the preferable option for single-threaded performance and specific legacy workloads. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score is 44.7% higher than the AMD’s, and it also wins in PassMark single-thread by 3.6% and in find prime numbers by 4.1%. The Intel chip’s higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz compared to 4.40 GHz on the AMD part, along with its Rocket Lake architecture, gives it an edge in tasks that rely on a single core. For users who prioritize raw single-core speed or run applications that are poorly optimized for multi-threading, the Intel processor is the better fit.

Given that both CPUs sit at the 76th percentile and have near-identical average benchmark scores, the decision hinges on workload type. For content creation, data processing, or any parallel-heavy usage, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H is clearly superior. For general desktop use, legacy software, or tasks where single-core performance is paramount, the Intel Core i5-11500 holds the advantage.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every fundamental specification. The Intel Core i5-11500 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 2.70 GHz for the Intel and 3.20 GHz for the AMD, but boost clocks are reversed, with the Intel reaching 4.60 GHz and the AMD 4.40 GHz. The TDP also differs significantly, with the Intel at 65 watts and the AMD at 45 watts.

The socket and platform are entirely different: the Intel uses Socket 1200, while the AMD uses Socket FP6. The process node is a major differentiator—14 nm for Intel versus 7 nm for AMD—and the die sizes reflect this, at 276 mm² versus 180 mm². The AMD chip contains 10,700 million transistors, whereas the Intel die size is listed without a transistor count.

Cache configurations vary, with the Intel offering 80 KB of L1 per core and 12 MB of shared L3, while the AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core and 16 MB of shared L3. Both have 512 KB of L2 per core. Memory bandwidth is higher on the AMD at 68.3 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s, though both support dual-channel DDR4. The PCIe generation differs, with Intel supporting Gen 4 (20 lanes) and AMD only Gen 3. Integrated graphics are also different, with UHD Graphics 750 on the Intel and Radeon Vega 8 on the AMD.

Other differences include the market segment (desktop versus mobile), production status (end-of-life versus active), and release dates, with the AMD launching earlier. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $192, while the AMD has no launch MSRP listed. Both processors have locked multipliers.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results show a stark contrast between the two chips. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H scores 2005, which is 27.1% higher than the Intel’s 1462. The AMD also wins in Cinebench R15 single-core with a score of 229 versus 206, a 10% advantage. However, the newer Cinebench R23 tests flip the outcome. In R23 multicore, the Intel Core i5-11500 scores 14513, beating the AMD’s 12091.5 by 20%. The single-core R23 test shows an even larger Intel win, with 2049 versus 1416, a 44.7% margin.

PassMark results heavily favor the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H. In data compression, the AMD scores 270608 against 210796, a 22.1% lead. Data encryption shows a 37.6% advantage for AMD, with 16962 versus 10592. Extended instructions also go to AMD by 17%, with scores of 18203 and 15111. Floating point math sees AMD ahead by 22.6%, scoring 44479 versus 34422. The largest gap is in integer math, where AMD’s 80786 beats Intel’s 58352 by 27.8%. Multithread performance in PassMark gives AMD a 17.7% win, 20789 versus 17107. Physics is nearly tied, with AMD at 830 and Intel at 823, a 0.8% difference. Random string sorting also goes to AMD, 28144 versus 24505, a 12.9% margin.

The Intel Core i5-11500 secures its wins in specific areas. In PassMark find prime numbers, Intel scores 51 versus AMD’s 49, a 4.1% advantage. PassMark single-thread shows Intel at 3131 versus 3021, a 3.6% lead. These wins demonstrate Intel’s strength in single-threaded integer operations and prime number calculation, likely due to its higher boost clock. Overall, the AMD chip wins 10 of the 15 head-to-head tests, while the Intel wins 5, but the aggregate average scores remain close because the Intel’s single-core victories are substantial in percentage terms.