Intel Core i7-4790 vs AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Introduction The Intel Core i7-4790, introduced in 2014 based on the Haswell S-architecture, targeted high-performance desktop systems.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500, which came in 2022 with the Cezanne (Zen 3) architecture, addresses the modern mainstream desktop market.

Manufacturing Process and Cores/Threads The Intel Core i7-4790 is manufactured using a 22 nm process and offers 4 cores, 8 threads, and Intel HD Graphics 4600. It features 8 MB of Level 3 Cache and PCIe 3.0. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 uses a 7 nm process, has 6 cores, 12 threads, but no integrated graphics.

It offers 3 MB of Level 2 Cache, 16 MB of Level 3 Cache, and also supports PCIe 3.0. Single-Core and Multi-Core Performance in Benchmarks The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-4790 in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks. This is due to its newer Zen 3 architecture, improved instructions per clock, and a higher core/thread count.

Performance in Gaming Scenarios In gaming, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 has a clear advantage. Its higher single-core performance and larger 16 MB Level 3 Cache enable better frame rates than the Intel Core i7-4790 with its 8 MB Level 3 Cache. Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP) The 7 nm manufacturing process makes the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 more energy-efficient than the 22 nm Intel Core i7-4790.

This leads to lower power consumption and less heat. The maximum memory bandwidth is 51 GB/s for the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and 26 GB/s for the Intel Core i7-4790. Price/Performance Ratio and Market Prices The Intel Core i7-4790 is available used at very low prices, ideal for budget systems.

As a new purchase, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 offers a significantly better price/performance ratio for modern requirements due to superior performance and efficiency. Summary and Recommendation The Intel Core i7-4790 is suitable for basic tasks and very budget-conscious upgrades.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is the recommendation for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.