The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and Intel’s 10th generation Ice Lake processors often find themselves in the same ultrabook and thin-and-light laptop categories. But how do they truly stack up against each other? This article delves into a comparison between the Ryzen 7 3700U and Intel’s i7-1065G7, a representative of the 10th generation, to answer the question: Does the Ryzen 3700U hold its own against Intel’s 10th generation?
Key Differences in Architecture and Performance
It’s crucial to understand that while both processors target similar markets, they are based on different architectures. The Ryzen 7 3700U leverages AMD’s Zen+ architecture, while the i7-1065G7 utilizes Intel’s newer Ice Lake architecture. This distinction is important because Zen+ has been on the market longer, while Ice Lake represents Intel’s latest advancements. The Ryzen 3700U, despite its 3000-series branding, does not feature the same Zen 2 architecture found in AMD’s desktop processors of the same generation. Mobile versions of Zen 2 were released later.
Furthermore, the tested systems, a Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 with the i7-1065G7 and a Lenovo ThinkPad T495 with the Ryzen 7 3700U, have different thermal design power (TDP) configurations. The i7-1065G7 operates at its base 15W TDP, while the Ryzen 7 3700U can reach nearly 20W in the ThinkPad T495 due to its more robust cooling system. This difference can impact performance results. Memory speeds also varied, with the Intel system utilizing faster 3733MHz RAM compared to the Ryzen system’s 2400MHz RAM, further influencing the comparison.
Benchmark Results and Analysis
To assess performance, benchmarks were conducted on both systems using various tests, including Cinebench R15 and R20. Cinebench measures CPU rendering performance in single- and multi-core scenarios.
Cinebench Performance
Results showed the i7-1065G7 generally outperforming the Ryzen 7 3700U in both single- and multi-core tests. However, it’s essential to consider the TDP and memory speed differences when interpreting these results. The higher TDP of the Ryzen system in the ThinkPad T495 allowed it to sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods, partially mitigating the architectural disadvantage.
Gaming Performance
Gaming tests were also conducted, although neither system is primarily designed for gaming. Intel’s Gen11 Iris Plus Graphics in the i7-1065G7 showcased significant improvements over previous Intel integrated graphics solutions. In these tests, the i7-1065G7 consistently delivered higher frame rates compared to the Ryzen 7 3700U’s Vega 10 graphics.
Conclusion: Ryzen 3700U vs. Intel 10th Gen – A Nuanced Comparison
While the Intel Core i7-1065G7 generally outperforms the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U in benchmarks, especially in single-threaded performance and integrated graphics, the comparison isn’t straightforward. Factors like TDP configurations, memory speeds, and specific laptop implementations influence the results. The Ryzen 7 3700U offers competitive multi-core performance, particularly when allowed to operate at its higher TDP. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific workload and individual needs. The i7-1065G7 excels in single-threaded tasks and integrated graphics, while the Ryzen 7 3700U provides stronger multi-core performance in suitably configured systems.
