AMD Ryzen 5 2400G vs Intel Core i7-2600K Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 2400G and the Intel Core i7-2600K represent two different eras of desktop computing, yet their average benchmark scores place them within a hair of each other. The Ryzen 5 2400G posts an average score of 1439, while the i7-2600K trails slightly at 1433, a delta of 0.5%. Both processors hold the 37th percentile against all CPUs in the database, indicating they are statistically equivalent in overall performance. However, the data reveals a decisive split: the Ryzen 5 2400G wins all four head-to-head benchmark comparisons, often by substantial margins, while the i7-2600K shows its age in nearly every test.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 5 2400G is the clear victor in every recorded benchmark matchup. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 846.5 against the i7-2600K’s 469, a delta of 80.5%. This is not a marginal victory; it is a near-doubling of the Intel part’s output. The single-core Cinebench R15 result is even more lopsided, with the 2400G posting 155.65 versus 66 for the 2600K, a 135.8% advantage. Geekbench results reinforce this trend: the 2400G leads multi-core with 3750 against 2613 (43.5% higher) and single-core with 1003 against 768 (30.6% higher).

The i7-2600K does not win a single benchmark in the head-to-head set. Its only competitive edge appears in the broader benchmark database, where it has additional Cinebench R20 and R23 scores that the 2400G lacks. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the 2600K scores 4657, and in single-core it scores 657; in R20, it posts 1955 multi-core and 275 single-core. These results are not directly comparable to the 2400G since the AMD part has no corresponding entries, but they indicate the 2600K remains functional in modern workloads. Still, where the two are measured head-to-head, the 2400G dominates without exception.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different platforms. The Ryzen 5 2400G uses AMD’s Zen architecture (codename Raven Ridge) on a 14 nm process fabricated by GlobalFoundries, packing 4,950 million transistors into a 210 mm² die. The i7-2600K uses Intel’s Sandy Bridge architecture on a 32 nm process, with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The transistor count difference is enormous—the 2400G has over four times as many—yet the die sizes are comparable, reflecting the massive density advantage of the newer node.

Cache configurations diverge significantly. The 2400G offers 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, plus 4 MB of shared L3. The 2600K provides 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, but doubles the L3 to 8 MB shared. The larger L3 on the Intel part may help in some cache-sensitive workloads, but the benchmark data suggests it is insufficient to overcome the 2400G’s other advantages.

Memory support also differs by generation. The 2400G runs DDR4 with a dual-channel bus delivering 46.9 GB/s bandwidth, while the 2600K uses DDR3 with 25.6 GB/s. This 83% bandwidth advantage for the AMD part likely contributes to its multi-core wins. Neither processor supports ECC memory. The 2400G also features PCIe Gen 3 with 8 CPU lanes, whereas the 2600K uses PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes—the older standard but more physical lanes.

Integrated graphics present a major differentiator. The 2400G includes Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics, while the 2600K has Intel HD 3000. Both are unlocked multiplier parts, but they target different sockets: the 2400G uses AMD Socket AM4, and the 2600K uses Intel Socket 1155. The 2400G remains in active production, while the 2600K is end-of-life.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows the widest gap in the comparison. The 2400G scores 846.5, which is 80.5% higher than the 2600K’s 469. This result is striking given that both processors have 4 cores and 8 threads—the same logical thread count. The architecture efficiency of Zen, combined with higher base and boost clocks (3.60 GHz and 3.90 GHz versus 3.40 GHz and 3.80 GHz), explains the advantage. The 2400G’s 65W TDP also makes this performance more power-efficient than the 2600K’s 95W envelope.

Single-core Cinebench R15 is even more one-sided. The 2400G’s 155.65 score beats the 2600K’s 66 by 135.8%. This is not a small lead; it is a 2.36x difference in favor of the newer AMD chip. The 2600K’s Sandy Bridge cores, despite their legacy reputation, cannot keep pace with the IPC improvements in Zen. The 2400G’s 3.90 GHz boost clock helps, but the architectural gains are the primary driver.

Geekbench multi-core shows a 43.5% lead for the 2400G, with scores of 3750 versus 2613. The margin is smaller than in Cinebench but still decisive. Single-core Geekbench gives the 2400G a 30.6% advantage (1003 versus 768). These results suggest that the 2600K’s 8 MB of L3 cache and 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes do not translate into benchmark wins. The 2400G’s DDR4 memory bandwidth and newer process node are more impactful.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G outperforms the Intel Core i7-2600K in every head-to-head benchmark recorded. For users prioritizing multi-threaded workloads like video rendering or compilation, the 2400G’s 80.5% Cinebench R15 multi-core lead makes it the only rational choice. For single-threaded tasks, the 135.8% Cinebench R15 single-core advantage is even more compelling. The 2400G also offers modern platform features—DDR4 memory, PCIe Gen 3, and an active production status—that the 2600K cannot match.

The i7-2600K retains some relevance through its Cinebench R20 and R23 scores, which show it can still handle modern workloads at reduced performance levels. Its 8 MB of L3 cache and 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes are legacy advantages, but they do not appear in any winning benchmark. The 2600K’s end-of-life status and 95W TDP further diminish its appeal.

Who should pick which? The Ryzen 5 2400G is the clear winner for any new build or upgrade, provided the AM4 socket is available. Its integrated Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics also eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems, a capability the Intel HD 3000 cannot match. The i7-2600K is only suitable for users already on Socket 1155 who want to maximize an existing platform without changing motherboards or memory. Even then, the benchmark data shows the 2400G is faster in every measurable way.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 2400G has an average benchmark score of 1439, while the Intel Core i7-2600K scores 1433. The 2400G is 0.5% higher, and both hold the 37th percentile against all CPUs.

Q: How much faster is the 2400G in Cinebench R15 multi-core?

A: The 2400G scores 846.5 versus the 2600K’s 469, a delta of 80.5%. This is the largest multi-core margin in the head-to-head benchmarks.

Q: Does the i7-2600K win any benchmark against the 2400G?

A: No. In the four head-to-head benchmarks (Cinebench R15 multi-core and single-core, Geekbench multi-core and single-core), the 2400G wins all four. The 2600K has zero wins.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth differences?

A: The 2400G supports DDR4 with 46.9 GB/s bandwidth, while the 2600K supports DDR3 with 25.6 GB/s. The 2400G’s bandwidth is 83% higher.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i7-2600K has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G has 4 MB of shared L3. Despite having half the L3, the 2400G still wins all benchmarks.

Q: What are the production statuses of the two CPUs?

A: The Ryzen 5 2400G is marked as Active, while the Core i7-2600K is End-of-life. The 2400G was released on 2018-02-11, and the 2600K on 2011-01-08.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 2400G | Intel Core i7-2600K |

|---|---|---|

| Architecture | Zen | Sandy Bridge |

| Codename | Raven Ridge | Sandy Bridge |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 32 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Transistors | 4,950 million | 1,160 million |

| Die Size | 210 mm² | 216 mm² |

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 95 W |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 46.9 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon RX Vega 11 | Intel HD 3000 |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2018-02-11 | 2011-01-08 |

| Part Number | YD2400C5M4MFB | SR00C |