AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 vs Intel Core i7-3720QM Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 and the Intel Core i7-3720QM are both quad-core processors that land at the same 37th percentile among all CPUs, yet the data shows a clear generational gap. In every single head-to-head benchmark, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 takes the win, posting scores that are 3.5% to 4.3% higher than the Intel part. Despite the Intel chip’s higher base and boost clocks and its 8 threads versus the AMD’s 4, the Ryzen Embedded’s newer Zen+ architecture and efficiency deliver consistently superior results across all Cinebench versions.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-3720QM has a slightly higher average benchmark score of 1421, compared to the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314’s 1415. The difference is minimal, with the Intel part holding a 0.4% edge in this aggregate metric.

Q: How much faster is the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 in multi-core tests?

A: The AMD chip wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 493 in Cinebench R15, 2055 in R20, and 4893 in R23, beating the Intel Core i7-3720QM by 3.7%, 3.6%, and 3.6% respectively.

Q: Does the Intel Core i7-3720QM win any single-core benchmark?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 wins every single-core test as well, with scores of 69 in Cinebench R15, 289 in R20, and 690 in R23. The Intel part scores 66, 279, and 666 in those same tests, representing deficits of 4.3%, 3.5%, and 3.5%.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: Both processors have 4 cores. The Intel Core i7-3720QM supports 8 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 supports 4 threads. The Intel chip’s Hyper-Threading advantage does not translate into a benchmark win.

Q: Which processor has a smaller manufacturing process node?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 is built on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries, while the Intel Core i7-3720QM uses a larger 22 nm process at Intel. The AMD part also integrates 4,940 million transistors versus 1,400 million on the Intel chip.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 has a TDP of 15 watts, which is significantly lower than the Intel Core i7-3720QM’s 45 watts. This makes the AMD part a 30-watt more power-efficient option based on the specification data.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial, reflecting nearly a decade of development. The Intel Core i7-3720QM is based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, built on Intel’s 22 nm process node with 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die. It features a dual-channel memory bus and does not support ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314, in contrast, uses the Zen+ architecture (codenamed Picasso) and is manufactured by GlobalFoundries on a 12 nm node. This newer process packs 4,940 million transistors into a 210 mm² die, a much higher transistor density that contributes to its efficiency.

Cache hierarchies also differ notably. The Intel chip provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has larger per-core caches at 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2, but a smaller shared L3 pool at 4 MB. The AMD processor adds DDR4 memory support with a 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth figure, while the Intel Ivy Bridge part lacks a listed memory support specification. The AMD chip also supports ECC memory and includes a Gen 3 PCIe interface with 16 lanes (CPU only), features absent from the Intel specification list.

Integrated graphics differ as well, with the Intel chip featuring Intel HD 4000 and the AMD part using Radeon Vega 6. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 is a more recent release, with a production status of "Active" and a 2022-06-20 release date, while the Intel Core i7-3720QM dates to 2012-04-28. These architectural differences directly explain the performance pattern seen in benchmarks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 wins all six head-to-head comparisons. The largest margin comes in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the AMD chip scores 69 against the Intel’s 66, a 4.3% advantage. Multi-core results are nearly as decisive, with the AMD part taking Cinebench R15 multi-core by 3.7% (493 versus 475). The pattern holds steady across newer test versions.

In Cinebench R20, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 scores 2055 in multi-core and 289 in single-core, beating the Intel Core i7-3720QM’s 1981 and 279 by 3.6% and 3.5% respectively. Cinebench R23 shows the same story: 4893 versus 4718 in multi-core (3.6% ahead) and 690 versus 666 in single-core (3.5% ahead). The Intel chip never manages a single win, despite its higher clocks and additional threads.

This consistent 3.5% to 4.3% margin across all tests suggests a uniform performance advantage rather than workload-specific strengths. The AMD part’s wins are not concentrated in one area; they span both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The Intel chip’s 8 threads do not help it overcome the AMD part’s architectural efficiency. Notably, the Intel Core i7-3720QM does have a higher Geekbench score (2457 multi-core, 726 single-core) than its average, but the head-to-head data only includes Cinebench tests, where the AMD part dominates.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category. The Intel Core i7-3720QM has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 runs at 2.10 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost. The Intel chip’s clocks are higher, yet it loses in performance. The TDP difference is stark: 45 watts for Intel versus 15 watts for AMD.

Thread counts differ, with the Intel part offering 8 threads versus the AMD’s 4. The Intel chip uses an Intel BGA 1224 socket, while the AMD part uses AMD Socket FP5. Process nodes are 22 nm (Intel) versus 12 nm (AMD). Transistor counts are 1,400 million versus 4,940 million, and die sizes are 160 mm² versus 210 mm².

Cache configurations differ in size and allocation. The Intel chip has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core with 6 MB shared L3, while the AMD part has 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core with 4 MB shared L3. Memory support is another differentiator: the AMD chip specifies DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth and ECC support, while the Intel chip lists no memory support details and lacks ECC. The AMD part also includes PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), a feature not listed for the Intel chip.

Integrated graphics differ (Intel HD 4000 versus Radeon Vega 6), as do market segments: the Intel chip is marked as "Mobile" while the AMD part is "Desktop." The AMD chip has an active production status and a 2022 release date, while the Intel chip’s production status is not listed and its release date is 2012. Neither chip has a launch MSRP listed.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, making it the clear choice for raw Cinebench performance. It is 3.5% to 4.3% faster across all six tests, with its largest advantage in single-core Cinebench R15. The AMD chip is also the more efficient option on paper, with a 15-watt TDP that is one-third of the Intel chip’s 45-watt TDP. This combination of higher performance and lower power draw makes it the stronger pick for scenarios where sustained multi-core workloads run alongside thermal or energy constraints.

The Intel Core i7-3720QM does hold a nominal edge in average benchmark score (1421 versus 1415) and offers 8 threads versus 4, which could theoretically benefit heavily parallel workloads. However, the head-to-head data shows the Intel chip losing all multi-core tests, so this thread advantage does not materialize into a performance win. The Intel part also has higher base and boost clocks, but again, this does not translate into a benchmark victory. Its only distinguishing features are the older Ivy Bridge architecture and a mobile market segment designation.

For users prioritizing the lowest power consumption, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 is the only rational choice given its 15-watt TDP. For those needing ECC memory support or DDR4 memory with a specified bandwidth, the AMD chip is also the sole option. The Intel chip’s mobile designation might suggest suitability for laptops, but the AMD part’s superior benchmark results across the board make it the better performer regardless of form factor.

The Verdict

The data delivers a straightforward verdict: the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 is the superior processor in this comparison. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks with margins between 3.5% and 4.3%, and it does so while consuming 30 fewer watts of power. The Intel Core i7-3720QM’s higher clock speeds and 8 threads do not compensate for its older Ivy Bridge architecture and larger 22 nm process node.

Benchmark results indicate that the AMD part’s 12 nm Zen+ architecture, despite lower clocks, provides better instruction efficiency. The AMD chip’s 4,940 million transistors and larger die size enable features like ECC support, DDR4 memory, and PCIe Gen 3 that the Intel chip lacks. For any buyer choosing between these two, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 is the recommended pick based on performance and efficiency. The Intel chip’s only advantages are a marginal 0.4% higher average benchmark score and its mobile market segment, neither of which outweighs losing every head-to-head test. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314’s active production status also suggests ongoing availability, while the Intel chip’s status is unlisted. Choose the AMD part for its benchmark dominance and lower power envelope.