AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Intel Core i3-7100 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data splits sharply by workload generation. In the older Cinebench R15 suite, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G dominates both tests, while the Intel Core i3-7100 only manages a win in the newer Cinebench R23 multi-core test. The most striking result is single-core performance in R23, where the AMD part leads by 172.4%, scoring 888 against the Intel’s 326. That gap is enormous and suggests the Intel chip is severely limited in newer single-threaded workloads.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G scores 317 versus the Intel Core i3-7100’s 232, a 36.6% advantage. The R15 single-core test is even more lopsided: AMD scores 139, Intel scores 52, giving AMD a 167.3% lead. These are not marginal differences; the AMD chip is nearly three times faster in that specific test.

However, the picture flips in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here, the Intel Core i3-7100 scores 2310, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G scores 1842. That is a 20.3% deficit for AMD. This is the only benchmark where Intel wins, but it is a significant one, indicating that the Intel chip scales better in sustained multi-threaded rendering under the newer Cinebench version.

The overall win tally is 3 to 1 in favor of AMD, but the single Intel win carries weight. The R23 multi-core result is often more indicative of modern productivity workloads, so Intel’s victory there cannot be dismissed. Meanwhile, the R23 single-core result for Intel is surprisingly low at 326, which is less than half of AMD’s 888. This suggests the Intel chip’s architecture does not handle the newer instruction set or workload pattern efficiently.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story: AMD’s average is 797, Intel’s is 781. That is only a 2% difference in favor of AMD, but the distribution of wins is not uniform. AMD wins big in R15 and R23 single-core, while Intel wins moderately in R23 multi-core. The data indicates that for legacy single-threaded applications, the AMD part is vastly superior, but for modern multi-threaded rendering, Intel holds an edge.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the clear choice for single-threaded performance in both Cinebench R15 and R23. In R15 single-core, it scores 139 versus Intel’s 52, and in R23 single-core, it scores 888 versus Intel’s 326. If a workload relies heavily on single-thread speed, such as older games or lightly threaded productivity tools, the AMD chip is the stronger pick. The data shows a 167.3% and 172.4% advantage respectively, which is a massive margin.

The Intel Core i3-7100 wins in one specific area: Cinebench R23 multi-core. With a score of 2310 versus AMD’s 1842, it is 20.3% faster. This suggests that for modern multi-threaded rendering tasks, such as video encoding or 3D scene rendering that uses the latest Cinebench version, the Intel chip can complete the work in less time. The Intel chip also has a higher base clock of 3.90 GHz, which may contribute to its multi-core showing, though the AMD chip has a boost clock of 3.50 GHz.

For legacy multi-core workloads, the AMD chip wins in R15 multi-core with 317 versus 232, a 36.6% lead. So the split is not simply old versus new; it is workload-specific. The AMD chip handles older Cinebench multi-core better, while Intel handles the newer version better. Users running older software versions will prefer AMD, while those on the latest Cinebench will prefer Intel.

In terms of overall average score, the two chips are nearly identical: AMD at 797, Intel at 781. That means for a balanced mix of workloads, the performance difference is negligible. However, the distribution of wins matters. If a user knows their primary application, they can pick the chip that matches the benchmark pattern. If the application is single-threaded, AMD wins decisively. If it is modern multi-threaded, Intel wins.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the Zen architecture, built on a 14 nm process by GlobalFoundries. It has 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. Its thermal design power is 25 watts, which is notably lower than the Intel chip’s 51 watts. The AMD chip uses AMD Socket FP5 and is classified as a mobile segment part. It integrates Radeon Vega 3 graphics.

The Intel Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake architecture, also on a 14 nm process, but fabricated by Intel. It has 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.90 GHz and no boost clock. Its TDP is 51 watts, double that of the AMD part. It uses Intel Socket 1151 and is a desktop segment part. It integrates Intel HD 630 graphics.

The cache configurations differ. The AMD chip has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. The Intel chip has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 3 MB of shared L3. This gives AMD more cache at every level, which likely contributes to its single-core dominance in the benchmarks.

Memory support is identical: both support DDR4 in dual-channel mode with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Neither supports ECC memory. PCIe lanes differ: AMD provides 8 lanes of Gen 3, while Intel provides 16 lanes of Gen 3. This means the Intel chip has more room for expansion cards or NVMe devices, though the AMD chip’s lower TDP makes it more suitable for compact or power-constrained designs.

The release dates are far apart. The Intel Core i3-7100 launched on 2017-01-02, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G launched on 2020-02-24. Despite the three-year gap, the newer AMD chip does not universally outperform the older Intel part, which is a notable finding. Both parts are still in active production, so neither is obsolete from a supply standpoint.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G scores 888, which is 172.4% higher than the Intel Core i3-7100’s 326.

Q: How does the Intel Core i3-7100 perform in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: It scores 2310, which is 20.3% higher than the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G’s 1842.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has a TDP of 25 watts, while the Intel Core i3-7100 has a TDP of 51 watts.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 in dual-channel mode with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, and neither supports ECC memory.

Q: What are the integrated graphics options?

A: The AMD chip has Radeon Vega 3, while the Intel chip has Intel HD 630.

Q: Which chip has more PCIe lanes?

A: The Intel Core i3-7100 provides 16 lanes of Gen 3, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G provides 8 lanes of Gen 3.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G | Intel Core i3-7100 |

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

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.50 GHz | None |

| TDP | 25 watts | 51 watts |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP5 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Zen | Kaby Lake |

| Process Node | 14 nm (GlobalFoundries) | 14 nm (Intel) |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB per core | 64 KB per core |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB per core | 256 KB per core |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB shared | 3 MB shared |

| PCIe Lanes | 8 lanes, Gen 3 | 16 lanes, Gen 3 |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 3 | Intel HD 630 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2020-02-24 | 2017-01-02 |

| Part Number | YE1606C4T2OFG | SR35C |

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the better choice for single-threaded workloads and for older multi-threaded Cinebench versions. It wins 3 out of 4 head-to-head benchmarks, including a 172.4% lead in R23 single-core and a 36.6% lead in R15 multi-core. Its lower TDP of 25 watts makes it far more power-efficient, which is critical for embedded or mobile systems. The larger cache sizes (96 KB L1, 512 KB L2, 4 MB L3 versus Intel’s 64 KB, 256 KB, and 3 MB) likely explain its dominance in single-thread tests.

The Intel Core i3-7100 is the better choice for modern multi-threaded rendering, specifically Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it leads by 20.3%. Its higher base clock of 3.90 GHz and 16 PCIe lanes give it advantages in raw clock speed and expansion capability. However, its 51 watt TDP is more than double AMD’s, and its single-core performance in R23 is severely lacking, scoring only 326 versus AMD’s 888.

For users prioritizing power efficiency, embedded use, or single-thread speed, the AMD chip is the clear winner. For users running the latest multi-threaded rendering software and needing more PCIe connectivity, the Intel chip is the better pick. The average benchmark scores are nearly tied (797 versus 781), so the decision should rest on the specific workload pattern. The data does not support a universal recommendation; it supports a workload-specific one.