AMD Ryzen 7 5825U Vs. Intel Core i7: Which CPU Is Better?

AMD and Intel have been battling it out in the CPU market for decades. With AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors, they have closed the performance gap with Intel’s 11th Gen Core i7 chips. Two popular models to consider are the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U and the Intel Core i7-1165G7.

The Ryzen 7 5825U is part of AMD’s newest Zen 3 architecture, while the Core i7-1165G7 uses Intel’s older 10nm Tiger Lake design. Though both pack impressive performance into a low 15W power envelope, there are some key differences worth examining.

Brief Comparison Table

Specs	AMD Ryzen 7 5825U	Intel Core i7-1165G7
Cores/Threads	8/16	4/8
Boost Clock Speed	4.5 GHz	4.7 GHz
Graphics	Radeon	Iris Xe
Process Node	7nm	10nm
TDP	15W	15W

As you can see from the table, the Ryzen 7 5825U offers more cores and threads, while the Core i7 has a slightly higher boost clock speed. The Ryzen processor uses AMD’s latest 7nm manufacturing process, compared to Intel’s aging 10nm node. Both have integrated graphics, with AMD relying on Radeon and Intel using their new Iris Xe graphics.

Now let’s dive deeper into the specs, performance, and real-world usage comparisons.

CPU Architecture

The Ryzen 7 5825U uses AMD’s newest Zen 3 CPU architecture, which delivers excellent single and multi-threaded performance. Zen 3 brings an 8% IPC (instructions per cycle) gain over the prior Zen 2 architecture.

Intel’s Core i7-1165G7 is based on their long-running Skylake microarchitecture, now rebranded under the 10nm Tiger Lake family. While Intel has refined Skylake over the years, it faces challenges keeping up with AMD’s more advanced and power-efficient Zen 3 design.

In terms of core counts, the Ryzen chip wins hands down with its 8-core/16-thread configuration. The Core i7 only has 4-cores and 8-threads. More cores allow the Ryzen processor to excel at multi-threaded workloads like video editing, 3D modeling, and heavy multitasking.

Performance Benchmarks

Independent benchmark tests reveal how these two processors compare in real-world scenarios. Here are some key benchmark results:

• Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi Core): Ryzen 7 5825U – 1,404 / 8,072 vs. Core i7-1165G7 – 1,549 / 5,796
• Cinebench R23 (Single/Multi Core): Ryzen 7 5825U – 1,498 / 9,215 vs. Core i7-1165G7 – 1,5613 / 4,197
• Handbrake Video Encoding: Ryzen 7 5825U – 67 fps vs. Core i7-1165G7 – 49 fps

The Ryzen chip wins out in multi-threaded tests like Cinebench and Handbrake encoding with its extra cores, though the Core i7 has a slightly faster peak single-core speed. The Ryzen 7 5825U is around 15-20% faster for serious workstation tasks.

For everyday productivity in office apps and web browsing, both deliver excellent performance and will handle light gaming equally well. The differences come through in CPU-intensive creative software, programming tools, video editing and 3D rendering where the Ryzen 7’s extra muscle is beneficial.

Watch the video of Intel Core i7!

Graphics Performance

These processors rely on integrated graphics, rather than dedicated GPUs like Nvidia’s RTX chips. But the integrated graphics have improved considerably over past generations.

The Ryzen 7 5825U uses AMD’s Radeon graphics with up to 8 Radeon cores, while the Core i7-1165G7 has Intel’s new Iris Xe graphics. Iris Xe offers huge gains over past Intel integrated graphics and gets close to Radeon’s performance.

Benchmarks show the Radeon GPU on the Ryzen chip scoring around 15-20% higher in 3DMark’s graphics tests. For casual gaming at 1080p, either chip will work fine, but the Ryzen will deliver higher framerates and graphics quality in more demanding titles. Overall AMD still has a graphics advantage.

Power Efficiency

A key metric for mobile processors is power efficiency and battery life. AMD has improved efficiency considerably with their 7nm Zen 3 chips.

Comparing 15W TDP models, the Ryzen 7 5825U can beat the Core i7-1165G7 in battery life during light workflows. Intel still has an advantage in video playback efficiency. But for day-to-day Office apps, web browsing, and moderate multitasking, the Ryzen chip competes well in power consumption.

Much depends on laptop design, battery size, display resolution and other factors. But in optimized designs, the Ryzen 5000 series can match or exceed Intel’s 11th Gen Core i7 for real-world battery life.

Price And Value

AMD’s recent success is largely thanks to undercutting Intel’s prices while offering comparable performance. The Ryzen 7 5825U retails around $415, while the Core i7-1165G7 goes for approximately $426.

At nearly equal pricing, the performance benefits and extra cores of the Ryzen 7 5825U make it a better value choice over the Core i7 model. With superior multi-threaded speed, comparable single-core performance, and similar power efficiency, the Ryzen chip gives you more for your money.

FAQs

Also Read: Is ThinkPad P16 Better Than P1?

Key Takeaways

• The Ryzen 7 5825U wins heavily on core count with 8-cores and 16-threads compared to the 4-cores and 8-threads on the Core i7.
• AMD’s Zen 3 architecture provides performance and efficiency gains over Intel’s aging Skylake derived cores.
• Ryzen 7 dominates in multi-threaded workstation apps thanks to the extra cores. Core i7 is slightly faster in single-threaded workflows.
• Though Intel has improved their integrated graphics, AMD’s Radeon still holds around a 15-20% lead in benchmarks.
• Power efficiency is close between the two, with Intel having a slight edge in video playback while Ryzen competes well in productivity apps.
• The Ryzen 7 5825U provides better performance and value at approximately the same retail price as the Core i7-1165G7.

So in summary, thanks to excellent multi-threaded speed, solid single-core performance, leading graphics and competitive power draw, the Ryzen 7 5825U is the better buy and a superior overall processor compared to the Core i7-1165G7. If your work involves heavy workstation tasks, AMD is currently dominating this mobile CPU match-up.