AMD Ryzen 7 5825U vs Intel Core 5 120 Comparison

The benchmark data presents a clear split: the Intel Core 5 120 is the dominant performer in raw processing power, winning 10 of 15 head-to-head comparisons, while the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U secures a narrower set of wins in specific workloads. The overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the AMD at 25446 and the Intel at 25362, placing both within 0.3% of each other. However, this parity in average score masks significant divergences in individual test categories, where the Intel chip often leads by large margins in compute-heavy tasks, and the AMD chip counters with efficiency in data-handling routines.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic difference appears in multi-threaded rendering tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel Core 5 120 scores 18255 against the AMD's 10152, a 44.4% advantage. This is a massive gap that underscores the Intel's superior sustained throughput in heavily parallel workloads. The single-core results tell a similar story, with the Intel leading by 43.7% in Cinebench R23 single-core (2577 vs 1452) and by 10.4% in Cinebench R15 single-core (259 vs 232). These are not marginal wins; they represent a generational leap in per-thread performance.

The Intel's lead extends to several Passmark sub-tests. In physics calculations, the Intel scores 1333 versus the AMD's 774, a 41.9% advantage that indicates stronger floating-point and simulation capabilities. The prime number finding test shows a 37.7% lead for the Intel (77 vs 48), and floating-point math sees the Intel ahead by 15.2% (45383 vs 38482). Even in the multi-thread Passmark test, the Intel wins by a modest 2.5% (18597 vs 18131). The single-thread Passmark score also favors the Intel by 15.1% (3595 vs 3053).

The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, however, claims victory in several specific areas that highlight its architectural strengths. The most decisive win is in data encryption, where the AMD scores 14088 against the Intel's 11131, a 26.6% advantage. This suggests the AMD's Zen 3 architecture handles cryptographic workloads with significantly greater efficiency. Integer math also goes to the AMD by a substantial 20% margin (72577 vs 60462), indicating superior performance in general arithmetic and logic operations. The AMD also wins in data compression by 1.1% (221938 vs 219535), random string sorting by 9.5% (23539 vs 21499), and extended instructions by 0.9% (14394 vs 14264). These wins, while fewer in number, show the AMD is not without its strengths, particularly in memory-intensive data manipulation tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different platforms. The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is a mobile-focused part using the Zen 3 architecture, codenamed Barcelo, manufactured on a 7 nm process by TSMC. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 120 is a desktop processor using the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake Refresh, built on a 10 nm process by Intel, with 6 cores and 12 threads. The process node difference is notable, with the AMD's 7 nm process being more advanced than the Intel's 10 nm.

Cache configurations also differ significantly. The AMD provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with a shared 16 MB L3 cache. The Intel, by contrast, offers 80 KB of L1 per core and a much larger 1.25 MB of L2 per core, with 18 MB of shared L3 cache. This larger per-core L2 cache on the Intel may contribute to its strong single-thread performance. The AMD's transistor count is listed at 10,700 million on a 180 mm² die, while the Intel's transistor count is not specified, but its die size is 163 mm².

Memory support is another key differentiator. The AMD supports only DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, but its memory bandwidth is not listed in the data. The AMD also supports ECC memory, while the Intel does not. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the AMD runs PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, providing much higher bandwidth for expansion cards and storage.

Integrated graphics and market positioning also separate them. The AMD features Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while the Intel includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD is a mobile processor on Socket FP6 with a 15 W TDP, while the Intel is a desktop processor on Socket 1700 with a 65 W TDP. The release dates are far apart, with the AMD launched on 2022-01-05 and the Intel on 2025-07-30.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 is significantly faster in multi-core rendering. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 18255 compared to the AMD's 10152, a 44.4% advantage. This makes the Intel the clear choice for workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, the AMD wins 5 of the 15 head-to-head tests. Its most notable victory is in data encryption, with a 26.6% lead (14088 vs 11131). It also wins in integer math by 20%, random string sorting by 9.5%, data compression by 1.1%, and extended instructions by 0.9%.

Q: How do their core counts compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite having fewer cores, the Intel wins the majority of multi-threaded tests, indicating its architecture is more efficient per core.

Q: What are the key differences in memory support?

A: The AMD supports only DDR4 memory, while the Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The AMD has a listed memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel's bandwidth is not specified. The AMD also supports ECC memory, which the Intel does not.

Q: Which processor is aimed at which market segment?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is a mobile processor with a 15 W TDP, designed for laptops. The Intel Core 5 120 is a desktop processor with a 65 W TDP, designed for traditional desktop PCs. The Intel also has a launch MSRP of $211.

Q: How do their overall benchmark averages compare?

A: The average benchmark scores are nearly identical. The AMD scores 25446, while the Intel scores 25362. The AMD is in the 78th percentile of all CPUs, and the Intel is in the 77th percentile.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification. The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The base clock speeds differ, with the AMD starting at 2000.00 MHz and the Intel at 2500.00 MHz, though both boost to 4.50 GHz. The TDP is a major differentiator: the AMD is rated at 15 W, while the Intel is rated at 65 W.

The socket and platform are entirely different. The AMD uses AMD Socket FP6, while the Intel uses Intel Socket 1700. Their architectures are also distinct: the AMD is Zen 3 (codenamed Barcelo), and the Intel is Raptor Lake (codenamed Raptor Lake-R). The process node differs, with the AMD on 7 nm from TSMC and the Intel on 10 nm from Intel. The AMD has a transistor count of 10,700 million on a 180 mm² die, while the Intel's die size is 163 mm² with no transistor count listed.

Cache hierarchies are different as well. The AMD offers 64 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core with 16 MB of shared L3. The Intel offers 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core with 18 MB of shared L3. Memory support shows the AMD limited to DDR4, while the Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5. The AMD's memory bandwidth is listed at 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel's is not. ECC memory is supported by the AMD but not the Intel. PCIe generation differs, with the AMD on Gen 3 and the Intel on Gen 5, both with 16 lanes. The integrated graphics are Radeon Vega 8 on the AMD and UHD Graphics 730 on the Intel. The market segment is mobile for the AMD and desktop for the Intel. The Intel has a launch MSRP of $211, while the AMD's is not listed.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core 5 120 is the superior processor for most demanding tasks. Its wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core, by margins of 44.4% and 43.7% respectively, are decisive. The Intel also dominates in physics, floating-point math, and single-thread performance, making it the better choice for scientific computing, content creation, and any application that relies on raw CPU speed. The Intel's higher 65 W TDP and desktop positioning allow it to sustain higher performance levels, which is reflected in its benchmark results. The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, while competitive in specific data-handling tasks like encryption and integer math, cannot match the Intel's overall computational throughput. For users prioritizing maximum processing power, the Intel Core 5 120 is the clear winner, despite having fewer cores.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is not without merit, but its advantages are narrower. Its 26.6% lead in data encryption and 20% lead in integer math are notable, but these are niche workloads. The AMD's 15 W TDP makes it suitable for mobile devices where power efficiency is critical, but the Intel's desktop design points to a different use case entirely. The benchmark averages are nearly tied, but the distribution of wins heavily favors the Intel in high-impact, performance-critical tests. The verdict comes down to workload: for general multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, the Intel is the choice. For specific data-processing tasks on a mobile platform, the AMD holds its own.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 120 is the winner in all forms of rendering. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 18255 versus the AMD's 10152 makes it the default choice for 3D rendering, video encoding, and other heavily threaded creative workloads. The Intel also wins in physics simulations, with a 41.9% advantage, and in floating-point math, making it suitable for scientific and engineering applications. Single-thread performance is also firmly in the Intel's camp, with a 15.1% lead in the Passmark single-thread test, benefiting everyday tasks like web browsing and office applications. The Intel's wins in prime number finding also indicate strength in certain algorithmic workloads.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U wins in data encryption, with a 26.6% lead, making it the better option for security-focused applications and VPNs. Its 20% lead in integer math suggests advantages in database operations and general arithmetic processing. The AMD also wins in data compression by 1.1%, which is relevant for file archiving and backup software. Its win in random string sorting by 9.5% points to strengths in sorting algorithms and text processing. The AMD's extended instructions win, though small at 0.9%, shows it can handle certain SIMD workloads competitively. For users on a mobile platform with a 15 W power envelope, the AMD offers these specific data-processing advantages, while the Intel, with its higher power draw, is better suited to sustained desktop performance.