Quick summary
- In single-core performance, the Core i7-8670 edges out the Ryzen 7 3700U, indicating a slight advantage in applications that heavily rely on single-thread performance.
- The Ryzen 7 3700U’s integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics outperform the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in the Core i7-8670, resulting in smoother gaming experiences at lower settings.
- The Ryzen 7 3700U’s multitasking capabilities and integrated graphics make it a suitable choice for content creators who require smooth performance for video editing, photo editing, and graphic design.
Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the Intel Core i7-8670. Both processors boast impressive performance, but which one comes out on top? This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison, examining their key features, performance benchmarks, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision.
The Contenders: A Brief Overview
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U: This processor belongs to AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series, known for its powerful performance and energy efficiency. It’s a quad-core CPU with eight threads, clocked at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.0 GHz. It integrates AMD Radeon Vega 10 graphics, making it a suitable option for casual gaming and multimedia tasks.
Intel Core i7-8670: This processor belongs to Intel’s 8th Generation Kaby Lake Refresh series. It’s also a quad-core CPU with eight threads, clocked at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.2 GHz. It integrates Intel UHD Graphics 620, offering decent graphics capabilities for everyday tasks.
Performance: A Head-to-Head Battle
Benchmark Results:
- Cinebench R23: The Ryzen 7 3700U outperforms the Core i7-8670 in multi-core performance, showcasing its prowess in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Geekbench 5: In single-core performance, the Core i7-8670 edges out the Ryzen 7 3700U, indicating a slight advantage in applications that heavily rely on single-thread performance.
- PCMark 10: The Ryzen 7 3700U generally delivers better overall performance in everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity, and video conferencing.
- 3DMark Time Spy: The Ryzen 7 3700U’s integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics outperform the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in the Core i7-8670, resulting in smoother gaming experiences at lower settings.
Real-World Applications:
- Productivity: Both processors excel in productivity tasks like word processing, spreadsheet management, and web browsing. The Ryzen 7 3700U’s superior multi-core performance might provide an edge in applications that benefit from parallel processing.
- Gaming: While neither processor is a gaming powerhouse, the Ryzen 7 3700U’s integrated graphics offer a slight advantage in casual gaming. For demanding games, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
- Video Editing and Rendering: The Ryzen 7 3700U’s multi-core advantage shines in video editing and rendering software, allowing for faster processing times.
- Content Creation: The Ryzen 7 3700U’s multitasking capabilities and integrated graphics make it a suitable choice for content creators who require smooth performance for video editing, photo editing, and graphic design.
Power Consumption and Battery Life
The Ryzen 7 3700U is known for its impressive energy efficiency. Its 15W TDP (Thermal Design Power) allows for longer battery life and cooler operation compared to the Core i7-8670, which has a 15W TDP. This difference in power consumption can be significant for users who prioritize portability and battery life.
Pricing and Availability
The Ryzen 7 3700U is generally more affordable than the Core i7-8670, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the availability of laptops with these processors may vary depending on the region and manufacturer.
Choosing the Right Processor: A Decision Tree
If you prioritize:
- Multi-core performance: Choose the Ryzen 7 3700U.
- Single-core performance: Choose the Core i7-8670.
- Gaming performance: Choose the Ryzen 7 3700U for casual gaming, but consider a dedicated graphics card for demanding games.
- Battery life and energy efficiency: Choose the Ryzen 7 3700U.
- Budget-friendliness: Choose the Ryzen 7 3700U.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U emerges as the overall winner in this comparison. Its superior multi-core performance, integrated graphics, and energy efficiency make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize productivity, content creation, and battery life. However, the Intel Core i7-8670 still holds its ground with its slightly better single-core performance and potentially lower price point. Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: While both processors are suitable for casual gaming, the Ryzen 7 3700U’s integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics offer a slight advantage in performance. For demanding games, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Ryzen 7 3700U’s superior multi-core performance makes it a better choice for video editing and rendering applications.
Q: Which processor is more energy efficient?
A: The Ryzen 7 3700U is significantly more energy efficient than the Core i7-8670, resulting in longer battery life and cooler operation.
Q: Which processor is more affordable?
A: The Ryzen 7 3700U is generally more affordable than the Core i7-8670.
Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks?
A: Both processors excel in everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity, and video conferencing. The Ryzen 7 3700U’s overall performance might give it a slight edge in multitasking scenarios.
