AMD Ryzen 7 2700 vs Intel Core i5-8600T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between these two desktop processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 dominates in multi-threaded workloads, while the Intel Core i5-8600T takes a single victory in one specific single-core test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen 7 2700 scores 1551 against the i5-8600T's 784, a delta of 49.5 percent in AMD's favor. That gap widens in Geekbench multi-core, where the Ryzen 7 2700 posts 6475 versus 4277 for the Intel part, a 33.9 percent advantage.

The single-core picture is more nuanced. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD chip wins again, scoring 161 against 110, a 31.7 percent lead. However, in Geekbench single-core, the Intel Core i5-8600T reverses the trend, scoring 1278 against 1094, a 16.8 percent advantage for Intel. This suggests the two processors have different strengths depending on the benchmark's specific instruction mix and threading behavior. The AMD part's higher boost clock of 4.10 GHz versus 3.70 GHz likely contributes to its Cinebench single-core win, while the Intel part's architecture appears better suited to Geekbench's single-threaded workload.

Overall, the head-to-head table records three wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 and one win for the Intel Core i5-8600T. The average benchmark score in the database places the Intel part at 2383, marginally ahead of the AMD part's 2320, but that aggregate figure masks the significant per-test disparities. Both CPUs sit at the 48th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating they occupy a similar overall performance tier despite their divergent workload characteristics.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is the clear choice for multi-threaded productivity. Its 8 cores and 16 threads, combined with a 16 MB shared L3 cache, give it a substantial edge in rendering and compilation tasks. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 1551 is nearly double the Intel part's 784, and the Geekbench multi-core result of 6475 is roughly 51 percent higher than the i5-8600T's 4277. For users running heavily threaded applications, the data leaves little doubt about which processor delivers more throughput.

The Intel Core i5-8600T wins in one specific scenario: Geekbench single-core. Its score of 1278 eclipses the AMD part's 1094, a 16.8 percent margin. This indicates that for lightly threaded tasks such as legacy applications, certain games, or responsiveness-focused workloads, the Intel architecture holds an advantage. Additionally, the i5-8600T includes integrated UHD Graphics 630, while the Ryzen 7 2700 has no integrated graphics at all. This means the Intel part can operate in a system without a discrete GPU, whereas the AMD part requires one.

The Intel chip also carries a much lower TDP of 35 watts versus 65 watts for the AMD chip. This makes the i5-8600T suitable for compact or power-constrained builds where thermal headroom is limited. The AMD part, with its higher power envelope and unlocked multiplier, appeals to users who prioritize raw multi-core performance and are willing to invest in adequate cooling and a discrete GPU.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 wins decisively. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1551 against 784 for the Intel Core i5-8600T, a 49.5 percent lead. In Geekbench multi-core, it scores 6475 versus 4277, a 33.9 percent advantage.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-8600T win any benchmark?

A: Yes. In Geekbench single-core, the Intel part scores 1278 against 1094 for the AMD Ryzen 7 2700, a 16.8 percent margin. This is the only head-to-head test where Intel emerges victorious.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core i5-8600T has 6 cores and 6 threads. The AMD part's thread count is more than double the Intel part's.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Both support DDR4 memory and use a dual-channel memory bus. The AMD part has a slightly higher memory bandwidth at 46.9 GB/s, compared to 42.7 GB/s for the Intel part.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core i5-8600T includes integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics 630. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 has no integrated graphics and requires a separate GPU.

Q: What are the release dates for these CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i5-8600T was released on 2018-04-01, and the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 was released on 2018-04-18. Both launched in April 2018, with Intel first by just over two weeks.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specifications. The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-8600T has 6 cores and 6 threads. Base clocks are 3.20 GHz for AMD and 2.30 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 4.10 GHz for AMD and 3.70 GHz for Intel. TDP ratings are 65 watts for AMD and 35 watts for Intel.

The sockets differ: AMD uses Socket AM4, while Intel uses Socket 1151. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Intel part is locked. Cache configurations also vary: the Intel part has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 9 MB shared L3. The AMD part has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. Memory bandwidth is 46.9 GB/s for AMD and 42.7 GB/s for Intel.

The launch MSRP for the Intel Core i5-8600T is $213. The launch MSRP for the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 is $299. The Intel part measures 154 mm² die size, while the AMD part measures 213 mm². The AMD processor contains 4,800 million transistors; the Intel processor's transistor count is not recorded in the database. The Intel part includes integrated UHD Graphics 630, while the AMD part has none. Production status differs as well: the Intel part is end-of-life, while the AMD part is still active.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide is substantial. Intel's Core i5-8600T is built on Coffee Lake, a 14 nm process from Intel's own foundry. AMD's Ryzen 7 2700 uses the Zen architecture, specifically the Zen+ refinement codenamed Pinnacle Ridge, fabricated on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries. The process node difference gives AMD a manufacturing advantage in density and efficiency, though the Intel part compensates with a much lower TDP.

Cache architecture differs in both capacity and organization. The Intel part allocates 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 9 MB shared L3. The AMD part allocates 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core, with 16 MB shared L3. The larger per-core caches and doubled shared L3 on AMD likely contribute to its multi-threaded dominance, as more working set can reside on-chip.

The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 belongs to the 2000 series and is part of the Ryzen 7 generation labeled Zen+ (Pinnacle Ridge). The Intel Core i5-8600T is part of the Core i5 (Coffee Lake) generation. Both support PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, and both use dual-channel DDR4 memory. Neither supports ECC memory. The Intel part has a part number of SR3X3, while the AMD part is YD2700BBM88AF.

The integrated graphics situation is a major architectural differentiator. Intel integrates UHD Graphics 630 directly into the die, enabling operation without a discrete GPU. AMD's Ryzen 7 2700 has no integrated graphics, making a discrete GPU mandatory for display output. This architectural choice reflects different design priorities: Intel targets flexibility and low-power operation, while AMD focuses on maximizing compute throughput for its core count and thread count.