AMD Ryzen 7 2700U vs Intel Core i5-7300HQ Comparison

Intel Core i5-7300HQ vs AMD Ryzen 7 2700U: head-to-head analysis from recorded benchmark data. These two mobile processors target different priorities, with the Intel part built for sustained load in larger laptops and the AMD part designed for efficiency in thin systems. The data shows a split decision across tests, with each chip winning three of the six recorded benchmarks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic result comes from Cinebench R15 single-core, where the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U scores 143.5 against the Intel Core i5-7300HQ’s 61. That is a 57.5% advantage for AMD, and it is the largest gap in either direction across all tests. The same test in multicore shows AMD ahead again, 644 to 434, a 32.6% lead. These two results suggest that in the older Cinebench R15 workload, the Ryzen 7 2700U simply outruns the i5-7300HQ by a wide margin.

However, the picture flips in newer benchmarks. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Intel processor scores 4316 versus 3603 for AMD, a 19.8% win for Intel. In Geekbench multicore, Intel leads 3044 to 2411, a 26.3% advantage. The Geekbench single-core test also goes to Intel, 1052 to 804, a 30.8% margin. So while AMD dominates the R15 tests, Intel takes the R23 and Geekbench tests decisively.

The only remaining test, Cinebench R23 single-core, goes to AMD at 886 versus 609 for Intel, a 31.3% lead. That gives AMD wins in R15 multicore, R15 single-core, and R23 single-core, while Intel wins in R23 multicore, Geekbench multicore, and Geekbench single-core. The win count is even at three each, but the magnitudes differ. AMD’s largest win is 57.5% in R15 single-core, while Intel’s largest win is 30.8% in Geekbench single-core. That means AMD has the bigger headline victory, but Intel’s wins are more consistent across the modern workloads.

Looking at average benchmark scores, the Intel i5-7300HQ sits at 1448, while the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U sits at 1415. That is a 33-point difference, roughly 2.3% in favor of Intel. The percentile rankings are close too: Intel is in the 38th percentile of all CPUs, and AMD is in the 37th. For context, the i5-7300HQ’s nearest rivals include the AMD Opteron 6378 at 1447 (0% delta), the Intel Xeon E3-1505L v5 at 1446 (0.2% ahead), and the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE at 1444 (0.3% ahead). On the AMD side, the Ryzen 7 2700U matches the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 and Intel Core i5-4460, both at 1415 (0% delta), and trails the Intel Core i7-3840QM by 0.1% and the Intel Core i7-2700K by 0.3%. These rivals show that both processors sit in the same performance tier, with neither having a clear overall advantage.

The Verdict

The data does not support a single winner. Instead, the choice depends on which benchmarks matter more for the intended workload. For users who run older software that relies on Cinebench R15-style performance, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U is clearly superior, with a 32.6% lead in multicore and a 57.5% lead in single-core. That is a substantial edge for legacy applications or tasks that scale poorly across cores.

For modern workloads, the Intel Core i5-7300HQ is the better pick. It leads by 19.8% in Cinebench R23 multicore, 26.3% in Geekbench multicore, and 30.8% in Geekbench single-core. These are current-generation tests that better reflect how new software uses the processor. The R23 multicore result is particularly notable because it shows Intel winning in a heavily threaded scenario despite having only 4 threads versus AMD’s 8 threads.

The average benchmark score leans slightly toward Intel, 1448 versus 1415, and the percentile ranking is one point higher. But the difference is small enough that real-world performance will depend heavily on the specific application. Buyers who prioritize the latest rendering or productivity software should choose the i5-7300HQ. Buyers who run older or lighter workloads, or who need the efficiency of a 15W processor, should choose the Ryzen 7 2700U.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-7300HQ uses the Kaby Lake architecture on the Kaby Lake-H codename, built on a 14 nm process at Intel’s foundry. It has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading. The die size is 126 mm². The AMD Ryzen 7 2700U uses the Zen architecture with the Raven Ridge codename, also on a 14 nm process but manufactured by GlobalFoundries. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, enabling twice the thread count. The die is significantly larger at 210 mm², and the transistor count is listed at 4,950 million.

Cache layouts differ notably. Intel provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. That means the AMD chip has more L1 and L2 per core, but less L3 overall. The Intel chip’s larger L3 could help with workloads that reuse a big working set, while the AMD chip’s larger per-core caches may benefit single-threaded tasks.

The integrated graphics also differ. Intel uses HD Graphics 630, while AMD uses Radeon RX Vega 10. Both are integrated solutions, but the AMD part is positioned as a stronger iGPU for gaming or media tasks. The memory support differs too: Intel supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD only supports DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while Intel does not have a recorded bandwidth figure.

PCIe connectivity is another split. Intel offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while AMD offers Gen 3 with only 8 lanes from the CPU. That means the Intel platform can support more PCIe devices or higher-bandwidth add-in cards directly from the processor. The sockets are different as well: Intel uses BGA 1440, AMD uses Socket FP5.

Specification Differences

Clock speeds show a trade-off. The Intel i5-7300HQ has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700U has a lower base clock of 2.20 GHz but a higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz. So AMD can reach higher single-core speeds when boosting, but Intel has a higher sustained base clock.

Thermal design power is a major difference. Intel is rated at 45W, while AMD is rated at 15W. That is a threefold difference in power envelope. The Intel chip is designed for thicker laptops with better cooling, while the AMD chip fits into slim, fanless or low-power designs. This explains why the AMD chip has a lower base clock: it must stay within a much tighter power budget.

Release dates and production status also differ. Intel launched on January 2, 2017, and is now end-of-life. AMD launched on October 25, 2017, and remains active in production. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $250, while AMD has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not an option for either.

Memory support shows Intel accepting both DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD only accepts DDR4. Both support dual-channel operation. The AMD chip specifies 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, but Intel has no bandwidth figure in the database. The Intel chip has 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, while AMD has 8 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. The AMD chip has more threads, more L1 and L2 per core, and a higher boost clock, but the Intel chip has a higher base clock, more L3, more PCIe lanes, and a higher TDP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700U scores 886 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Intel Core i5-7300HQ scores 609. That gives AMD a 31.3% advantage in this specific test.

Q: Does the Intel processor win any multicore tests?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i5-7300HQ wins Cinebench R23 multicore with 4316 versus 3603 for AMD, a 19.8% lead. It also wins Geekbench multicore with 3044 versus 2411, a 26.3% advantage.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i5-7300HQ has an average benchmark score of 1448, while the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U has an average of 1415. That is a 33-point difference in favor of Intel.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two processors?

A: The Intel Core i5-7300HQ is rated at 45W, while the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U is rated at 15W. The AMD chip uses significantly less power, making it suitable for thinner laptops.

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700U has 8 threads (4 cores with simultaneous multithreading), while the Intel Core i5-7300HQ has 4 threads (4 cores without multithreading).

Q: How does the integrated graphics compare?

A: The Intel part uses HD Graphics 630, while the AMD part uses Radeon RX Vega 10. The AMD integrated graphics solution is generally positioned for stronger graphical performance, though the database does not include dedicated GPU benchmarks for either.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700U wins in older Cinebench R15 tests, both multicore (644 versus 434) and single-core (143.5 versus 61). It also wins in Cinebench R23 single-core (886 versus 609). These wins suggest that AMD is stronger for workloads that rely on single-threaded performance in the Cinebench engine, particularly in the R15 version. The 15W TDP also makes it the only realistic choice for ultraportable laptops where cooling and battery life are critical.

The Intel Core i5-7300HQ wins in Cinebench R23 multicore (4316 versus 3603), Geekbench multicore (3044 versus 2411), and Geekbench single-core (1052 versus 804). These wins cover both single-core and multicore scenarios in modern benchmarks, indicating that Intel’s architecture handles current software more effectively. The 45W TDP means it is meant for larger laptops or mobile workstations with active cooling. The higher PCIe lane count (16 versus 8) also gives Intel an advantage for connecting discrete GPUs or other high-bandwidth devices.

The use-case split is clear. For users who run legacy applications that behave like Cinebench R15, or who need minimal power draw, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700U is the better fit. For users who run current rendering, productivity, or general-purpose software that reflects Geekbench and Cinebench R23 performance, the Intel Core i5-7300HQ is the stronger choice. The average benchmark score and percentile ranking both slightly favor Intel, but the margin is small enough that the specific workload should be the deciding factor. Neither processor is a universal winner, and the data supports each one only in its respective areas of strength.