AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Intel Core i5-3610ME Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is significantly faster in single-core tests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 888 versus the Intel Core i5-3610ME's 323, a 174.9% advantage.

Q: How do the two chips compare in multi-core performance?

A: The results are mixed depending on the test version. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD wins with 317 points versus 230 for Intel (37.8% ahead). However, in Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel takes the lead with 2289 points versus 1842 for AMD, a 19.5% margin.

Q: Are both processors still in production?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is listed as Active in production status. The production status for the Intel Core i5-3610ME is not recorded in the database.

Q: What are the integrated graphics solutions on these chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G features Radeon Vega 3 graphics, while the Intel Core i5-3610ME includes Intel HD 4000 graphics.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. Both the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G and the Intel Core i5-3610ME have ECC memory support marked as false.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has an average benchmark score of 797, while the Intel Core i5-3610ME has an average score of 788. Both sit at the 21st percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing approaches. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the Zen architecture, built on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It packs 3,500 million transistors into a 148 mm² die. The Intel Core i5-3610ME uses the older Ivy Bridge architecture on Intel's 22 nm process, with a die size of 118 mm².

Cache layouts differ notably. The AMD chip provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, plus 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip offers 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with only 3 MB of shared L3. This gives AMD a clear capacity edge in every cache level.

Memory support also diverges. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G explicitly supports DDR4 memory with dual-channel operation and a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-3610ME has dual-channel memory bus support, but the database records no specific memory type or bandwidth figure for it.

The AMD processor uses AMD Socket FP5 and provides PCIe Gen 3 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Intel chip uses Intel Socket G2 (988B), and no PCIe information is recorded. Both are mobile market segment parts with locked multipliers. The AMD chip's release date is recorded as 2020-02-24, while the Intel chip's release date is 2012-05-31, reflecting a significant gap in design era.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Looking at the recorded head-to-head comparisons, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins two of the three benchmark matchups. Its most dramatic victory comes in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it scores 888 versus Intel's 323. That 174.9% delta is the largest performance gap in any test between these two processors. The AMD chip also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core with 317 points against Intel's 230, a 37.8% advantage.

The Intel Core i5-3610ME claims one win in the head-to-head set: Cinebench R23 multi-core. There, Intel scores 2289 against AMD's 1842, a 19.5% margin. This result is notable because it shows the Intel chip holding its own in a newer, more demanding multi-threaded workload despite its older architecture.

Interpreting the data, the AMD processor dominates in single-threaded responsiveness and in older multi-threaded tests, while the Intel chip pulls ahead in the latest multi-core benchmark. The overall benchmark averages remain close: 797 for AMD versus 788 for Intel. The nearest rivals for AMD include the AMD A10-7850K at 796 average score (0.1% delta), the AMD A6-9400 at 794 (0.3%), and the AMD A10-5800B at 794 (0.4%). The Intel chip's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-4210U at 788 (0% delta) and the AMD Opteron 3350 HE at 789 (-0.2%).

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture for different use cases. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the better choice for applications that favor single-core speed and older software workloads. Its 174.9% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core makes it particularly well-suited for lightly threaded tasks, everyday responsiveness, and legacy application compatibility. Its 37.8% win in Cinebench R15 multi-core further supports its strength in older multi-threaded scenarios.

The Intel Core i5-3610ME is the pick for modern multi-threaded workloads. Its 19.5% win in Cinebench R23 multi-core indicates better scaling with current rendering and productivity applications that use newer instruction sets or more efficient threading. For users running contemporary software that leverages the latest Cinebench generation's workload characteristics, the Intel chip delivers higher throughput.

Both processors sit at the 21st percentile among all CPUs, meaning neither is a high-end part. The AMD chip has a slight edge in average benchmark score (797 versus 788), but the gap is under 1.2%. The AMD chip's active production status suggests it remains available for new embedded designs, while the Intel chip's production status is unrecorded, implying it may be a legacy part in the database.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-3610ME runs at 2.70 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost. The AMD chip's TDP is 25 watts, significantly lower than Intel's 35 watts, indicating better power efficiency.

Socket compatibility is entirely different: AMD uses Socket FP5, Intel uses Socket G2 (988B). The AMD chip is built on the Zen architecture with a 14 nm process, while Intel uses Ivy Bridge on 22 nm. Transistor count is recorded for AMD at 3,500 million, but no figure exists for Intel. Die size measures 148 mm² for AMD and 118 mm² for Intel.

Cache configurations favor AMD across the board: 96 KB versus 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB versus 256 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB versus 3 MB shared L3. Memory bandwidth is recorded only for AMD at 38.4 GB/s. The AMD chip explicitly supports DDR4 memory, while Intel's memory support field is null. Integrated graphics differ as well: Radeon Vega 3 on AMD, Intel HD 4000 on Intel.

Release dates separate the two by nearly eight years: AMD launched on 2020-02-24, Intel on 2012-05-31. Part numbers are YE1606C4T2OFG for AMD and SR0QJ for Intel. Both are dual-core, four-thread parts with dual-channel memory buses and no ECC support.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins in single-threaded performance. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 888 versus 323 is a decisive margin, making this chip the better option for tasks like web browsing, office applications, scripting, and any software that relies heavily on one or two cores. Its lower 25-watt TDP also makes it more attractive for thermally constrained embedded systems or fanless designs where power draw matters.

The AMD chip also wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, suggesting it handles older multi-threaded applications more effectively. Users running legacy software, older game engines, or established productivity suites may see better performance from the AMD part.

The Intel Core i5-3610ME wins in the modern multi-threaded benchmark, Cinebench R23 multi-core. This indicates it is the stronger choice for current rendering workloads, video encoding, compilation tasks, or any software optimized for recent multi-core performance metrics. The 2,289 score versus 1,842 shows a substantial 19.5% lead that would be noticeable in sustained multi-threaded workloads.

For embedded system designers, the AMD chip's active production status is a practical advantage, ensuring ongoing availability for new designs. The Intel chip's unrecorded production status may limit its suitability for new projects. The AMD chip's modern 14 nm process and DDR4 support also position it better for current memory standards, while the Intel chip's 22 nm process and unrecorded memory type suggest an older platform.

In summary, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the choice for single-core performance, older software, and power-sensitive applications. The Intel Core i5-3610ME is the choice for modern multi-threaded workloads where the latest benchmark generation's performance profile matters most. Both sit at similar overall percentile rankings, so neither offers a dramatic overall superiority; the decision comes down to workload specifics and platform requirements.