Home > CPU

Is Intel i9 better than Ryzen 5?

We take a look at the differences between the Intel i9 and the Ryzen 5
Last Updated on April 18, 2023
Intel i9 better than Ryzen 5
PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

CPU manufacturers give processor numbers to make it easier for the user to determine the power and use of the unit. Generally speaking, both Intel and AMD qualify their CPU with numbers from 3 or 5 up until 9. Intel rates them like this: i3, i5, i7, and i9; for AMD its Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9. Taking that into account, an Intel i9 is a more powerful and high-end option than a Ryzen 5.

Intel i9 is better in every aspect than the Ryzen 5. Which one you decide to purchase will depend more on your needs than on the CPUs specs. The Ryzen 5 is cheaper than the i9, this is arguably its only advantage.

It depends on what you are looking for in a CPU. Intel i9 and AMD Ryzen 5 are both good processors. However, different features might make one a better choice over the other for certain tasks.

Intel i9s generally offer better multi-threaded performance and are commonly used for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing and rendering. On the other hand, Ryzen 5s tend to have more cores and threads but are better in gaming situations. This is becasue of their specific, single-threaded workloads.

What is the difference between Ryzen 5 and Intel i9?

Ultimately, the better choice between Intel i9 and Ryzen 5 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize single-threaded performance and are willing to pay a premium, an Intel i9 might be the right choice for you. If you need more cores and threads for multi-threaded workloads and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, a Ryzen 5 might be a better choice.

The main differences between the AMD Ryzen 5 and the Intel i9 are:

  1. Architecture: Ryzen 5 uses AMD’s Zen architecture while the Intel i9 uses Intel’s Hybrid architecture.
  2. Core/Thread count: Intel i9s generally have fewer cores and threads compared to Ryzen 5s. This makes Ryzen 5s better suited for multi-threaded workloads. However, Intel has a Hybrid architecture that divides the tasks between performance cores and efficient cores.
  3. Performance: Intel i9s tend to have higher single-threaded performance, while Ryzen 5s excel in multi-threaded workloads but is a less feature-rich CPU.
  4. Power consumption: Intel i9s typically have higher power consumption compared to Ryzen 5s. This means they generate more heat and may require more cooling.
  5. Price: Intel i9s are typically more expensive compared to Ryzen 5s. Whilst a Ryzen 5 is a cheaper CPU design for less demanding workloads.

Is Ryzen 5 a good processor?

Ryzen 5 is a good processor with many worthy features. It can handle 12 threads simultaneously, and comes with 6 cores. Its base frequency is 3.7GHz, with a boost frequency of 4.6HHz. This makes it a decent mid-range processor for most purposes.

Should I choose Ryzen 5 over Intel i9?

It depends on your needs. If you don’t have a particularly high budget and want to prioritise multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 5 is a great choice. But if you want a generally more powerful performance suitable for heavy workloads, intense gaming or video editing, the Intel i9 is probably a better option. Just bear in mind it will be more expensive.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows