AMD Ryzen 5 5600H vs Intel Core i7 10870H: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing between the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H and the Intel Core i7 10870H for a laptop, it's important to consider several key factors including performance, energy efficiency, and cooling effectiveness. This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of these aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Key Performance Metrics

RAM Capacity and Turbo Boost Frequency

The Intel Core i7 10870H stands out with its support for up to 128 GB DDR4-2933 RAM and a significantly higher Turbo Boost frequency of 5 GHz compared to the 4.2 GHz of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H. Additionally, the i7 10870H consumes 17 fewer watts of power (45 vs 54 watts) when compared to the 5600H, making it more efficient.

Cores and Threads

The Intel Core i7 10870H offers an advantage with its 8 cores and 16 threads, backed by a large 16 MB L3 cache. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H has only 6 cores and 12 threads with a 4 MB larger L3 cache. While the 5600H does offer superior per-core performance, the overall multi-core performance is lagging behind.

Cache and Cooling

The 5600H provides an extra 4 MB of L3 cache, which enhances its overall performance. The L2 cache of the 5600H is slightly advantageous with 12 MB compared to the 10 MB of the 10870H. However, the Ryzen CPUs generally run cooler and consume less power, which is a significant advantage for sustained performance and battery life.

Performance Dominance

Single-Core Performance

In single-core performance tests, Intel has a notable advantage, often outperforming the 5600H by up to 15% in some scenarios.

Multi-Core Performance

When it comes to multi-core performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H shines with scores up to 74% better. This significant difference makes it a strong contender for tasks that require heavy multi-threaded processing.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Based on the comprehensive comparison, the Intel Core i7 10870H is better in most ways, especially for tasks that require high multi-threaded performance and cooling efficiency. However, if you prioritize raw horsepower and don't mind higher power consumption, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H is still a solid choice, particularly for a cheaper and better-rounded model.

Final Verdict

For those looking for a balanced performance with excellent cooling and power efficiency, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H might be the better choice, especially if budget constraints are a factor. On the other hand, if you need raw speed and efficiency, the Intel Core i7 10870H is the way to go.