AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Intel Core i5-4210U Comparison

AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G and Intel Core i5-4210U are both dual-core, four-thread mobile processors, but they target entirely different eras and workloads. The data shows the AMD part wins two of the three head-to-head benchmark comparisons, while the Intel part claims one decisive victory in a modern multi-core workload. The R1606G is the stronger choice for single-threaded and legacy multi-threaded tasks, whereas the i5-4210U holds a surprising edge in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which reflects its different architecture and memory configuration.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the clear winner in single-core performance and in the older Cinebench R15 multi-core test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the R1606G scores 317 against the i5-4210U’s 197, a 60.9% advantage. That is a massive gap, indicating the R1606G’s Zen architecture delivers far better per-clock throughput in this workload. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the R1606G scores 888 versus 277 for the i5-4210U — a 220.6% lead. This is the largest delta across all head-to-head benchmarks, and it underscores that the R1606G’s 3.50 GHz boost clock and modern Zen core design completely outclass the older Haswell core in lightly threaded tasks.

The Intel Core i5-4210U wins only one benchmark: Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 1962 against the R1606G’s 1842, a 6.1% margin. This result is notable because it flips the expected order — the i5-4210U has a much lower boost clock of 2.70 GHz versus 3.50 GHz, yet it still outperforms the AMD part in this specific test. The likely reason is the i5-4210U’s support for DDR3 memory (which the FACT PACK lists) and its Haswell architecture, which may scale better in sustained multi-threaded rendering. However, this single win does not offset the AMD part’s dominance elsewhere.

For real-world use, the R1606G is the better pick for applications that rely on single-thread speed — web browsing, office tasks, and legacy software. The i5-4210U, by contrast, shows an advantage in one specific multi-threaded rendering scenario, but its overall average benchmark score of 788 is lower than the R1606G’s 797. Both processors sit at the 21st percentile among all CPUs, meaning they are entry-level performers, but the R1606G edges ahead on average.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the Zen architecture (codename “Banded Kestrel”) built on a 14 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It packs 3,500 million transistors on a 148 mm² die. The Intel Core i5-4210U uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process at Intel, with 1,400 million transistors on a 118 mm² die. This means the AMD part uses a smaller transistor node but a larger physical die, reflecting more complex circuitry.

Cache layouts differ significantly. The R1606G offers 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, plus 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-4210U has smaller caches: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and only 3 MB of shared L3. This larger cache hierarchy on the AMD side likely contributes to its single-core advantage, as more data can be held closer to the cores.

Memory support is another key differentiator. The R1606G supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-4210U supports DDR3, but the FACT PACK does not specify its memory bus or bandwidth. This is a notable gap — the R1606G’s higher bandwidth and newer memory type give it a theoretical advantage in memory-intensive tasks, though the i5-4210U’s win in Cinebench R23 multi-core suggests DDR3 is not a bottleneck in that specific workload.

The integrated graphics also differ: the R1606G uses Radeon Vega 3, while the i5-4210U uses Intel HD 4400. The FACT PACK provides no benchmark scores for these iGPUs, so no direct comparison is possible. Other differences include the socket (AMD Socket FP5 for the R1606G, Intel BGA 1168 for the i5-4210U) and PCIe support — the R1606G lists Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-4210U has no PCIe data. Neither processor has ECC memory support or an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-4210U boosts to 2.70 GHz.

Q: Why does the Intel Core i5-4210U win Cinebench R23 multi-core despite lower clocks?

A: The i5-4210U scores 1962 in that test versus 1842 for the R1606G, a 6.1% margin. The FACT PACK does not explain the cause, but the i5-4210U’s Haswell architecture and DDR3 memory support are the listed differences that could influence this result.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has an average benchmark score of 797, and the Intel Core i5-4210U has an average of 788. This puts the R1606G slightly ahead overall.

Q: Do both CPUs have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 2 cores and 4 threads, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-4210U has 3 MB of shared L3.

Q: What are the production statuses of these chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is listed as “Active,” while the Intel Core i5-4210U has no production status listed in the data.

Specification Differences

• Base Clock: 2.60 GHz (AMD) vs 1700.00 MHz (Intel — note this is listed in MHz, equivalent to 1.70 GHz)
• Boost Clock: 3.50 GHz (AMD) vs 2.70 GHz (Intel)
• TDP: 25 W (AMD) vs 15 W (Intel)
• Socket: AMD Socket FP5 (AMD) vs Intel BGA 1168 (Intel)
• Process Node: 14 nm (AMD) vs 22 nm (Intel)
• Transistors: 3,500 million (AMD) vs 1,400 million (Intel)
• Die Size: 148 mm² (AMD) vs 118 mm² (Intel)
• L1 Cache: 96 KB per core (AMD) vs 64 KB per core (Intel)
• L2 Cache: 512 KB per core (AMD) vs 256 KB per core (Intel)
• L3 Cache: 4 MB shared (AMD) vs 3 MB shared (Intel)
• Memory Support: DDR4 (AMD) vs DDR3 (Intel)
• Memory Bus: Dual-channel (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• Memory Bandwidth: 38.4 GB/s (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• PCIe: Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) (AMD) vs not specified (Intel)
• Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 3 (AMD) vs Intel HD 4400 (Intel)
• Release Date: 2020-02-24 (AMD) vs 2014-04-13 (Intel)
• Part Number: YE1606C4T2OFG (AMD) vs SR1EF (Intel)

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most decisive result is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G scores 888 versus 277 for the Intel Core i5-4210U — a 220.6% lead. This is more than a threefold difference, and it makes the R1606G the obvious choice for any workload that depends on single-thread speed. The R1606G’s 3.50 GHz boost clock and larger caches are the listed factors that explain this dominance.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the R1606G again wins, scoring 317 against 197, a 60.9% gap. This older benchmark still shows the Zen core’s efficiency advantage over Haswell. However, the Intel part strikes back in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 1962 versus 1842, a 6.1% win for Intel. This is the only benchmark where the i5-4210U leads, and it is a close margin compared to the AMD wins. The i5-4210U also has additional benchmark data that the R1606G lacks — including Cinebench R20 scores (824 multi-core, 116 single-core) and Geekbench scores (1395 multi-core, 745 single-core) — but these cannot be compared directly because the R1606G has no corresponding scores in the data.

Overall, the R1606G wins 2 out of 3 head-to-head comparisons, and its average benchmark score of 797 beats the i5-4210U’s 788. The nearest rivals for each chip underscore their tier: the R1606G sits within 0.5% of chips like the AMD A10-7850K and Intel Pentium Silver J5040, while the i5-4210U is essentially tied with the Intel Core i5-3610ME and AMD Opteron 3350 HE.

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the superior processor for most tasks, based on the data. It wins two of three head-to-head benchmarks, including a crushing 220.6% margin in single-core performance and a 60.9% margin in Cinebench R15 multi-core. Its higher boost clock (3.50 GHz vs 2.70 GHz), larger caches, and newer 14 nm process all align with this result. Anyone needing fast single-thread responsiveness — such as for legacy applications or lightly threaded software — should pick the R1606G.

The Intel Core i5-4210U is the better choice only in the narrow case of Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it leads by 6.1%. This suggests that in sustained multi-threaded rendering, the i5-4210U’s Haswell architecture and DDR3 memory configuration can outperform the R1606G despite lower clock speeds. However, this single win does not compensate for its deficits elsewhere. The i5-4210U also has a lower TDP of 15 W versus 25 W, making it more power-efficient, which could matter in thermally constrained designs. But from a pure performance standpoint, the R1606G’s average score of 797 versus 788, combined with its benchmark wins, makes it the recommended pick for general use. The data is clear: the AMD part is faster in most scenarios, while the Intel part holds a niche advantage in one modern multi-core test.