Intel Core 5 processor 120U vs AMD Ryzen 3 5300U

The AMD Ryzen 3 5300U (Lucienne, Zen 2) and the Intel Core 5 processor 120U (Raptor Lake U) are processors for energy-efficient devices that offer a balance of performance and battery life.

The Ryzen 3 5300U is manufactured using a 7 nm process and typically offers 4 cores/8 threads with 2 MB L2 and 4 MB L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 processor 120U uses a 10 nm process and a hybrid architecture with usually 2 performance and 8 efficiency cores (10 cores/12 threads total), supplemented by 12 MB L2 cache without L3 cache.

Based on Geekbench 6 results, the AMD Ryzen 3 5300U delivers solid single-core and multi-core performance. The Intel Core 5 processor 120U typically offers superior multi-core and stronger single-core performance thanks to its newer architecture and higher core count. For casual gaming, the Intel Core 5 processor 120U, with its Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80 (Alder Lake) and 102 GB/s memory bandwidth, offers higher graphics performance than the AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Renoir) of the AMD Ryzen 3 5300U with 51 GB/s.

Both U-series processors are designed for low power consumption (typically 15 Watt TDP). The AMD Ryzen 3 5300U is a cost-effective solution for basic tasks and high energy efficiency. The Intel Core 5 processor 120U, with its more advanced technology and better integrated graphics solution, positions itself in a higher performance and price segment.

For users with basic requirements and a focus on cost, the AMD Ryzen 3 5300U is suitable. Those who need higher computing and graphics performance for more demanding work will find the Intel Core 5 processor 120U to be the better choice.