AMD Ryzen 5 3500U vs Intel Core 5 processor 120U

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, introduced in Q1 2019 with Picasso (Zen+) architecture, is manufactured using the 12 nm process and is aimed at thin, light notebooks for everyday tasks.

It features 4 cores and 8 threads, as well as an integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics. The Level 3 cache is 4 MB and the maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 processor 120U, based on the Raptor Lake U architecture, launched in Q1 2024 and is produced using the more advanced 10 nm (Intel 7) process.

It features a hybrid design with 2 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores (a total of 10 cores, 12 threads) and integrates the more powerful Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80. Its Level 2 cache is 12 MB and the maximum memory bandwidth is 102 GB/s. In terms of performance, the Intel Core 5 processor 120U significantly outperforms the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, both in single-core tasks due to its newer architecture and in multi-core applications thanks to its higher core count and hybrid configuration.

In the gaming sector, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80 delivers better performance than the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8. Both U-series processors have a similar Thermal Design Power (TDP) of typically 15W-28W, with the Intel Core 5 processor 120U potentially being more energy-efficient due to its finer manufacturing process.

Pricewise, the older AMD Ryzen 5 3500U can be found in budget systems, while the Intel Core 5 processor 120U is built into newer mid-range notebooks and offers a superior price-performance ratio for more demanding use, despite higher acquisition costs. For basic tasks and budget systems, the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U is sufficient.

For significantly more performance, better multitasking, light gaming, and longer future-proofing, the Intel Core 5 processor 120U is the clearly superior choice.