AMD Ryzen 7 260 vs Intel Core 5 211E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a clear split between multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 wins 9 of the 15 recorded comparisons, while the Intel Core 5 211E takes 6. The largest margin belongs to the AMD part in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where it scores 77 against Intel's 43, a 79.1% advantage. The passmark_physics test shows a similar story, with AMD at 1218 versus Intel's 702, a 73.5% lead. These two results indicate that the AMD chip's architecture handles integer-heavy and physics simulation tasks with considerably more efficiency.

In cinebench_r15_multicore, the AMD Ryzen 7 260 delivers 2747.5 points against 2055 for the Intel Core 5 211E, a 33.7% margin. The passmark_multithread score follows the same trend: AMD at 28078, Intel at 23833, a 17.8% difference. The passmark_extended_instructions test also favors AMD, 26544 versus 21592, a 22.9% gap. Data encryption and random string sorting show AMD ahead by 13% and 23.5% respectively. Integer math goes to AMD at 96737 against Intel's 88117, a 9.8% edge. Data compression is closer, with AMD at 351517 and Intel at 346757, a 1.4% margin.

The Intel Core 5 211E takes its wins in the single-core and floating-point domains. The cinebench_r23_singlecore result is the starkest: Intel scores 2878, AMD scores 1770.5, giving Intel a 38.5% lead. The cinebench_r15_singlecore test shows Intel at 289 versus AMD's 276.5, a 4.3% advantage. Passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread both record Intel at 4006 against AMD's 3736, a 6.7% edge. In floating-point math, Intel reaches 66402, AMD 59462, a 10.5% gap. The cinebench_r23_multicore result is the only multi-threaded test where Intel wins, 20389 versus 17211.5, a 15.6% margin.

The aggregate benchmark picture shows the AMD Ryzen 7 260 with an average score of 43717, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core 5 211E averages 37829, which puts it in the 86th percentile. The AMD chip's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 at 43704 (0% delta), the AMD Ryzen 7 170 at 43689 (0.1% delta), and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 at 43431 (0.7% delta). The Intel part's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at 37904 (-0.2% delta) and the Intel Core i9-14901E at 37911 (-0.2% delta).

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 260 is the stronger choice for workloads that stress multiple cores and integer operations. Its 8 cores and 16 threads, built on the Zen 4 architecture with a 4 nm process, deliver consistent wins across compression, encryption, extended instruction sets, prime number finding, integer math, multithreaded throughput, physics, and random string sorting. The passmark_find_prime_numbers result, in particular, suggests a significant advantage in algorithms that rely on modular arithmetic and iterative computation. The physics score of 1218 versus 702 indicates that simulation and rigid-body dynamics workloads would see a substantial performance uplift on the AMD platform.

The Intel Core 5 211E wins decisively in single-threaded performance. The cinebench_r23_singlecore gap of 38.5% is the largest of any test in the comparison. This means applications that depend on a single fast core, such as older software, lightly threaded editors, or real-time audio processing, would favor the Intel part. The floating-point math result, 66402 versus 59462, also points to Intel having an edge in scientific and engineering calculations that use heavy FPU instructions. The cinebench_r23_multicore win is notable because it contradicts the pattern seen in other multi-threaded tests, suggesting that the Intel chip's 10 cores, despite a lower 2.70 base clock, can sustain high throughput under certain rendering workloads.

The data shows that the AMD Ryzen 7 260 has a higher base clock at 3.80 GHz versus 2.70 GHz, and a higher boost clock at 5.10 GHz versus 4.90 GHz. The AMD part also has a lower TDP at 45 watts, while the Intel part draws 65 watts. The AMD chip uses DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and achieves 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, whereas the Intel chip supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, but records 76.8 GB/s. The AMD part integrates a Radeon 780M GPU, while the Intel part uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD chip is built for the AMD Socket FP8 (mobile), while the Intel part targets Intel Socket 1700 (desktop).

The Verdict

The benchmark results indicate that the AMD Ryzen 7 260 is the superior processor for multi-threaded productivity, data processing, and integer-heavy workloads. Its 9 wins out of 15 head-to-head tests, including a 33.7% margin in cinebench_r15_multicore and a 79.1% margin in prime number finding, make it the stronger candidate for compilation, database operations, and parallel computation. The higher average benchmark score of 43717 against 37829, along with the 88th percentile ranking versus the 86th percentile, reinforces this conclusion.

The Intel Core 5 211E, however, is the clear winner for single-threaded performance and floating-point math. The 38.5% lead in cinebench_r23_singlecore is a decisive factor for any user whose primary applications run on one or two threads. The floating-point advantage of 10.5% also matters for numerical simulation and certain rendering tasks. The Intel part also supports ECC memory, which the AMD chip does not, and it has a larger shared L3 cache at 20 MB versus 16 MB.

For a user choosing between these two, the decision rests on the workload profile. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 delivers better overall throughput, lower power consumption, and a more compact mobile form factor. The Intel Core 5 211E offers stronger single-core responsiveness, higher floating-point throughput, and desktop socket compatibility. The data does not show a single winner across all categories; it shows two different optimization targets.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core benchmark score?

A: In cinebench_r23_multicore, the Intel Core 5 211E scores 20389, which is 15.6% higher than the AMD Ryzen 7 260's 17211.5. However, in cinebench_r15_multicore, the AMD Ryzen 7 260 scores 2747.5, which is 33.7% higher than the Intel Core 5 211E's 2055.

Q: How do the two chips compare in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E leads in all single-threaded tests. In cinebench_r23_singlecore, it scores 2878 versus 1770.5, a 38.5% advantage. In passmark_single_thread, it scores 4006 versus 3736, a 6.7% edge.

Q: What is the difference in power consumption?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 260 has a TDP of 45 watts, while the Intel Core 5 211E has a TDP of 65 watts. The AMD chip also has a higher base clock (3.80 GHz vs 2.70 GHz) and a higher boost clock (5.10 GHz vs 4.90 GHz).

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E supports ECC memory, while the AMD Ryzen 7 260 does not. The Intel part also supports both DDR4 and DDR5, whereas the AMD part supports DDR5 only.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 260 has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 211E has 10 cores and 16 threads. Both processors have 16 threads, but the Intel part has two additional physical cores.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 260 has an average benchmark score of 43717, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core 5 211E has an average score of 37829, placing it in the 86th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies and target different market segments. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 uses the Zen 4 architecture on a 4 nm process from TSMC, with a codename of Hawk Point. It integrates 25,000 million transistors on a die size of 178 mm². The Intel Core 5 211E uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process from Intel, with a die size of 257 mm². The transistor count is not recorded for the Intel part.

The cache hierarchies differ in capacity and distribution. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. This gives the Intel part larger per-core caches and a larger total L3 cache, which may contribute to its single-threaded advantage.

Memory support also differs. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 supports DDR5 memory only, with a dual-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 211E supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, with a recorded bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The AMD part has more memory bandwidth, while the Intel part offers memory type flexibility and ECC support.

The PCIe configuration is another differentiator. The AMD chip supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The Intel chip supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This means the Intel part has a newer PCIe generation, which can offer higher per-lane bandwidth for compatible devices, though the AMD part has more total lanes.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 includes a Radeon 780M, while the Intel Core 5 211E includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD part is marked as a mobile processor with an AMD Socket FP8, while the Intel part is a desktop processor with an Intel Socket 1700.

The release dates are close, with the AMD chip released on 2025-01-05 and the Intel chip on 2025-01-12. The Intel Core 5 211E has a recorded launch MSRP of $221, while the AMD Ryzen 7 260 has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The production status for both is Active.