AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 vs Intel Core i5-12600 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear and consistent picture: the Intel Core i5-12600 dominates the AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 in multi-threaded and most compute-intensive workloads, while the AMD chip claims a narrower victory in a few single-threaded tests. Out of 15 head-to-head comparisons, the Intel processor wins 12, with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 taking only 3.

The largest margin of victory belongs to Intel in the Cinebench R23 multicore test, where the Core i5-12600 scores 18105 against the AMD's 11461, a difference of 36.7%. This is a substantial gap, indicating that for sustained multi-core rendering tasks, the Intel part is in a different league. The Cinebench R23 singlecore test also goes to Intel, with a score of 2556 versus 1818, a 28.9% advantage. This is particularly noteworthy because it contradicts the expectation that the newer AMD chip might lead in single-thread performance.

In the Passmark suite, the Intel processor leads in nearly every category. The most significant wins for Intel are in find_prime_numbers, where it scores 83 against AMD's 62 (a 25.3% lead), and in physics, with 1365 versus 1089 (a 20.2% lead). Floating point math also shows a clear Intel advantage, 50838 versus 42621, a 16.2% difference. Smaller but consistent Intel leads appear in data_encryption (9.7% ahead), multithread (6.9% ahead), data_compression (5.8% ahead), and integer_math (4% ahead). The extended_instructions test is nearly a tie, with Intel ahead by just 0.1%, and random_string_sorting shows Intel ahead by 1.5%.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 345's victories are all in single-threaded or lightly threaded scenarios. It wins the Cinebench R15 singlecore test, scoring 271 against Intel's 257, a 5.4% advantage. It also edges out Intel in the Passmark single_thread and singlethread tests, with identical scores of 3875 versus 3823, a 1.4% lead in both cases. Interestingly, the Cinebench R15 multicore test goes to Intel, with a score of 1824 versus 1712, a 6.1% difference, which is a much smaller margin than the R23 multicore gap. The data suggests that while the AMD chip can hold its own in certain legacy or lightly threaded benchmarks, the Intel processor is decisively faster in modern, heavily threaded workloads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies and market segments. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 is a mobile processor built on TSMC's 4 nm process node, codenamed "Krackan Point" and belonging to the Ryzen AI 300 generation using Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. It is a 6-core, 12-thread part with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. Its TDP is rated at 28 watts, reflecting its intended use in power-constrained laptops. The chip is designed for the AMD Socket FP8 and supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. It features 4 MB of L3 cache, with 1 MB of L2 and 80 KB of L1 per core. Its integrated graphics are the Radeon 840M, and it provides PCIe Gen 4 with 14 lanes from the CPU.

In contrast, the Intel Core i5-12600 is a desktop processor from the Alder Lake-S family, built on Intel's 10 nm process. It also has 6 cores and 12 threads, but with a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. Its TDP is 65 watts, more than double the AMD part, which is typical for a desktop chip with more thermal headroom. The Intel chip uses the Intel Socket 1700 and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, though its memory bandwidth is not listed in the database. It has a much larger 18 MB shared L3 cache, with 1.25 MB of L2 per core and the same 80 KB of L1 per core. Its integrated graphics are the UHD Graphics 770, and it offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The die size also differs significantly: the Intel chip measures 163 mm², while the AMD chip's die size is not documented. The process node difference is stark, with AMD's 4 nm TSMC process being more advanced than Intel's 10 nm node. However, the Intel chip compensates with higher clock speeds and a larger cache, which likely explains its benchmark dominance. The AMD chip's smaller TDP and mobile focus mean it is designed for efficiency, while the Intel chip is designed for raw performance in a desktop environment.

Where Each One Wins

The performance data points to distinct use cases for each processor. The Intel Core i5-12600 is the clear choice for any workload that stresses multiple cores or requires sustained high performance. Its 36.7% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore makes it ideal for video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation. The 20.2% lead in Passmark physics and the 16.2% lead in floating point math further cement its suitability for scientific computing and simulation tasks. The 5.8% advantage in data compression and 9.7% advantage in data encryption suggest it is also better for file archiving and security-related workloads. For gamers who also stream or run background tasks, the Intel chip's higher multithread score of 21399 versus 19927 indicates a smoother experience.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 345, despite losing most benchmarks, has specific strengths. Its wins in Cinebench R15 singlecore and Passmark single_thread show that it can outperform the Intel chip in certain legacy or lightly threaded applications. The 5.4% lead in R15 singlecore is notable, suggesting that some older software that relies on a single thread may run slightly faster on the AMD chip. Its lower TDP of 28 watts versus 65 watts also makes it the better option for fanless or ultra-portable designs, where heat and battery life are more important than raw performance. The AMD chip's support for LPDDR5X memory and its mobile socket (FP8) indicate that it is meant for thin-and-light laptops, while the Intel chip is for desktop towers where power draw is less of a concern.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600 is significantly faster, with a 36.7% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore (18105 vs 11461) and a 6.9% lead in Passmark multithread (21399 vs 19927).

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins three tests: Cinebench R15 singlecore (271 vs 257, a 5.4% lead) and both Passmark single_thread and singlethread tests (3875 vs 3823, a 1.4% lead).

Q: What is the difference in TDP between the two chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 has a TDP of 28 watts, while the Intel Core i5-12600 has a TDP of 65 watts.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600 has 18 MB of shared L3 cache, whereas the AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 has only 4 MB of L3 cache.

Q: What are the base and boost clocks for each?

A: The AMD chip has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Intel chip has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz.

Q: Which chip supports PCIe Gen 5?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600 supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 supports only PCIe Gen 4 with 14 lanes.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: for pure performance, the Intel Core i5-12600 is the superior processor. It wins 12 of 15 benchmarks, including every major multi-threaded test and even the Cinebench R23 singlecore test by a wide margin. The Intel chip's higher clock speeds, larger cache, and desktop-oriented 65-watt TDP translate into a decisive advantage in almost every scenario measured. The only areas where the AMD chip wins are in a legacy single-core benchmark and the Passmark single-thread tests, and even those margins are slim at 5.4% and 1.4%, respectively.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 345, however, is not without merit. Its 28-watt TDP and mobile socket (FP8) make it the clear choice for laptop designs where efficiency and battery life are paramount. Its support for LPDDR5X memory and its smaller footprint are advantages in portable devices. But if the question is which chip delivers better performance in a desktop or a high-performance laptop, the answer is the Intel Core i5-12600, which is also the only one of the two with a documented launch MSRP of $233. The data suggests that the Intel chip offers a more compelling performance profile for users who prioritize speed over power efficiency.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 | Intel Core i5-12600 |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 2.00 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 28 W | 65 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP8 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Process Node | 4 nm (TSMC) | 10 nm (Intel) |

| L2 Cache (per core) | 1 MB | 1.25 MB |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 14 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 840M | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Die Size | Not listed | 163 mm² |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $233 |