AMD Ryzen 5 4500 vs Intel Core i7-1255U Comparison

Intel Core i7-1255U vs AMD Ryzen 5 4500: the data shows two very different designs that land in the same performance tier. The Intel part is a mobile-first hybrid chip, while the AMD is a desktop-oriented Zen 2 processor. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical (17656 vs 17333), and both sit at the 71st percentile among all CPUs. The split comes down to workload: the Ryzen 5 4500 wins 10 of the 17 head-to-head tests, but the Core i7-1255U takes the other 7, including some very decisive single-thread wins.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 dominates multi-core rendering and data-heavy workloads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 13677 against the Intel’s 8285, a 39.4% lead. The gap is similar in Cinebench R20 multi-core (5744 vs 4635, 19.3% ahead) and in PassMark data compression (228741 vs 147320, 35.6% ahead). For anyone running video encodes, 3D rendering, or batch file compression, the AMD chip is clearly the stronger choice.

The Intel Core i7-1255U wins the single-thread and light-thread contests. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3192 beats the AMD’s 2593 by 23.1%. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Intel scores 237.5 against the AMD’s 194, a 22.4% advantage. The Intel also wins in floating-point math (32618 vs 29405, 10.9% ahead) and in the prime-number search test (40 vs 34, 17.6% ahead). These wins point to better responsiveness in everyday apps, web browsing, and lightly threaded software.

The Intel chip also wins the physics test (789 vs 726, 8.7% ahead), which is notable for a low-power part. The AMD counters with wins in integer math (49707 vs 48498, 2.4% ahead), multithread (16091 vs 13234, 17.8% ahead), data encryption (13597 vs 9262, 31.9% ahead), extended instructions (15166 vs 8231, 45.7% ahead), and random string sorting (23989 vs 16934, 29.4% ahead). The pattern is consistent: AMD for throughput, Intel for latency-sensitive single-thread work.

Architecture Differences

The Core i7-1255U uses Intel’s Alder Lake architecture on a 10 nm process. It has 10 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 1700 MHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The design relies on a hybrid layout to balance efficiency and peak performance, and it includes Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics. The chip is built for mobile, uses an Intel BGA 1744 socket, and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. Its power envelope is listed at 15 W, which is very low for the performance it delivers.

The Ryzen 5 4500 is a desktop part based on Zen 2 (codename Renoir). It uses TSMC’s 7 nm process, which is denser than Intel’s 10 nm node. The chip has 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. It has 9,800 million transistors on a 156 mm² die. It supports only DDR4 memory, with a measured bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The socket is AMD AM4, and the multiplier is unlocked, so overclocking is allowed. There is no integrated graphics, which is typical for a desktop CPU. The TDP is 65 W, more than four times the Intel’s rating.

Cache layouts differ significantly. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The AMD has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The Intel has more cache per core and a larger L3 pool. The AMD compensates with higher clocks and a more efficient process node. The Intel supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the AMD runs PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Memory support is another split: the Intel accepts DDR4 and DDR5, the AMD only DDR4.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to different buyers. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 is for anyone who needs raw multi-threaded throughput on a desktop. Its 39.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 35.6% lead in data compression make it the clear pick for rendering, compiling, or heavy multitasking. The unlocked multiplier adds flexibility for those who tune their systems. The lack of integrated graphics is a non-issue if a discrete GPU is already part of the build.

The Intel Core i7-1255U is for mobile users who want strong single-thread performance without a high power draw. Its 23.1% lead in PassMark single-thread and 22.4% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core mean snappier daily use. The integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics provide a display output and basic acceleration without a separate card. The 15 W TDP makes it suitable for thin laptops where heat and battery life matter more than sustained multi-core loads.

For a pure desktop workhorse, the Ryzen 5 4500 wins. For a portable machine with occasional heavy tasks, the Core i7-1255U is the more balanced option. Both sit at the same 71st percentile, so neither is a clear overall winner. The choice depends on whether the workload is multi-core-heavy or latency-sensitive.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-threaded tasks?

A: The Intel Core i7-1255U. It leads in PassMark single-thread (3192 vs 2593, 23.1% ahead) and in Cinebench R15 single-core (237.5 vs 194, 22.4% ahead).

Q: Which CPU is better for multi-core rendering?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 4500. It wins Cinebench R23 multi-core by 39.4% (13677 vs 8285) and Cinebench R20 multi-core by 19.3% (5744 vs 4635).

Q: Do both CPUs have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-1255U includes Iris Xe 96EU graphics. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR5 memory?

A: Only the Intel Core i7-1255U supports DDR5, along with DDR4. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 supports DDR4 only.

Q: Can the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 be overclocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked on the Ryzen 5 4500. The Intel Core i7-1255U has a locked multiplier.

Q: What are the power ratings for each chip?

A: The Intel Core i7-1255U has a TDP of 15 W. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 has a TDP of 65 W.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest Intel wins come in single-thread tests. The PassMark single-thread score of 3192 versus 2593 is a 23.1% margin, and the Cinebench R15 single-core score shows a 22.4% lead (237.5 vs 194). The Intel also wins in floating-point math (32618 vs 29405, 10.9% ahead), the prime number search (40 vs 34, 17.6% ahead), and the physics test (789 vs 726, 8.7% ahead). These are all cases where low latency and high boost clocks matter more than raw core count.

The AMD’s largest win is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 13677 against 8285, a 39.4% advantage. The extended instructions test shows a 45.7% lead (15166 vs 8231), and data compression is 35.6% ahead (228741 vs 147320). The AMD also leads in data encryption by 31.9% (13597 vs 9262), random string sorting by 29.4% (23989 vs 16934), and multithread by 17.8% (16091 vs 13234). The Cinebench R20 multi-core and single-core tests both show a 19.3% AMD advantage (5744 vs 4635 and 810 vs 654).

The Cinebench R15 multi-core test is the closest result: Intel wins 1387 to 1378, a 0.7% margin. The integer math test is also close, with AMD ahead by only 2.4% (49707 vs 48498). The overall win count is 10 for AMD and 7 for Intel, but the average benchmark scores are within 2% of each other (17656 vs 17333). This is a matchup where the winner depends entirely on the specific task.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in almost every physical attribute. The Intel has 10 cores and 12 threads; the AMD has 6 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks are 1700 MHz for Intel versus 3600 MHz for AMD. Boost clocks are 4.70 GHz for Intel versus 4.10 GHz for AMD. The TDP is 15 W for Intel versus 65 W for AMD.

The socket types are incompatible: Intel uses BGA 1744, AMD uses AM4. The process nodes differ: Intel is on 10 nm, AMD is on 7 nm from TSMC. The AMD chip has a listed transistor count of 9,800 million and a die size of 156 mm²; the Intel chip does not have those figures recorded. Cache sizes differ: Intel has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3; AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Memory support is another split: Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5, AMD supports DDR4 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the AMD has a recorded bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s while the Intel does not have a bandwidth figure. PCIe support differs: Intel has Gen 4 with 20 lanes, AMD has Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The Intel includes Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics; the AMD has none. The Intel has a locked multiplier; the AMD is unlocked. The Intel is a mobile part, the AMD is a desktop part. The Intel launched on 2022-02-22, the AMD on 2022-04-03. The AMD has a launch MSRP of $129; the Intel has no launch MSRP recorded.