Quick notes
- Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the Intel Core i7 4790K, to help you make an informed decision.
- Both processors support DDR4 memory, but the Ryzen 7 3700U is limited to a maximum frequency of 2400 MHz, while the Core i7 4790K can handle up to 3200 MHz.
- The Ryzen 7 3700U is often found in budget-friendly laptops, while the Core i7 4790K is a more premium option that requires a dedicated motherboard and other components.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the Intel Core i7 4790K, to help you make an informed decision. This clash of generations pits a modern, power-efficient APU against a legendary desktop CPU, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U is a mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops. Released in 2019, it’s a part of AMD’s Zen+ architecture, known for its impressive performance per watt. On the other hand, the Intel Core i7 4790K is a desktop CPU launched in 2014. It’s a member of Intel’s Haswell generation, renowned for its high clock speeds and robust gaming capabilities.
Core Count and Architecture: A Tale of Two Designs
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U boasts 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i7 4790K packs 4 cores and 8 threads. While the core count seems identical, the architectures differ significantly. The Ryzen 7 3700U utilizes AMD’s Zen+ architecture, known for its efficient multi-tasking capabilities. In contrast, the Core i7 4790K relies on Intel’s Haswell architecture, which prioritizes single-core performance.
Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost: The Race for Performance
The Ryzen 7 3700U operates at a base clock speed of 2.3 GHz and can boost up to 4.0 GHz. The Core i7 4790K, however, has a higher base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz. This higher clock speed gives the Core i7 4790K an edge in tasks that demand raw processing power.
Cache and Memory: The Power of Storage
The Ryzen 7 3700U features 4 MB of L3 cache, while the Core i7 4790K boasts a larger 8 MB of L3 cache. This larger cache allows the Core i7 4790K to store more frequently used data, enhancing its performance in demanding applications. Both processors support DDR4 memory, but the Ryzen 7 3700U is limited to a maximum frequency of 2400 MHz, while the Core i7 4790K can handle up to 3200 MHz.
Integrated Graphics: A Built-in Advantage
The Ryzen 7 3700U comes equipped with integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics. This integrated GPU offers decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks. But the Core i7 4790K lacks integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated graphics card for visual output. This makes the Ryzen 7 3700U a more versatile option for users who prioritize portability and prefer a built-in graphics solution.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP): Efficiency vs. Performance
The Ryzen 7 3700U is designed for power efficiency, with a TDP of just 15W. This low power consumption makes it ideal for thin and light laptops, contributing to longer battery life. The Core i7 4790K, on the other hand, has a much higher TDP of 88W, reflecting its performance-focused nature. This higher power consumption translates to increased heat generation and potentially louder fan noise.
Benchmark Scores: Putting the Processors to the Test
Benchmark scores provide a quantitative comparison of the processors’ performance. In multi-core benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 3700U often outperforms the Core i7 4790K, thanks to its efficient architecture and multi-threading capabilities. However, in single-core benchmarks, the Core i7 4790K typically takes the lead due to its higher clock speeds.
Gaming Performance: The Battlefield of Frames
When it comes to gaming, the Core i7 4790K generally offers better performance, particularly in older games that rely heavily on single-core processing power. However, the Ryzen 7 3700U can still provide a smooth gaming experience in less demanding titles, especially when paired with a dedicated graphics card.
Price and Availability: A Matter of Budget and Convenience
The Ryzen 7 3700U is typically found in laptops, while the Core i7 4790K is a desktop CPU. This difference in availability reflects their target markets. The Ryzen 7 3700U is often found in budget-friendly laptops, while the Core i7 4790K is a more premium option that requires a dedicated motherboard and other components.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor for Your Needs
The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the Intel Core i7 4790K ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a power-efficient processor for a thin and light laptop, the Ryzen 7 3700U is an excellent choice. Its integrated graphics and long battery life make it a versatile option for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
However, if you prioritize raw processing power and are building a desktop PC, the Core i7 4790K remains a strong contender. Its high clock speeds and robust gaming performance make it a compelling choice for demanding applications and high-end gaming.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: Generally, the Intel Core i7 4790K offers better gaming performance due to its higher clock speeds and stronger single-core performance. However, the Ryzen 7 3700U can still deliver a smooth gaming experience in less demanding titles, especially when paired with a dedicated graphics card.
Q: Which processor is more power efficient?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U is significantly more power efficient than the Intel Core i7 4790K. Its low TDP of 15W makes it ideal for laptops, contributing to longer battery life.
Q: Which processor is better for multitasking?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U excels in multitasking thanks to its 8 threads and efficient Zen+ architecture. It can handle multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation.
Q: Which processor is more affordable?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U is typically found in budget-friendly laptops, making it a more affordable option. The Intel Core i7 4790K is a more premium CPU that requires a dedicated motherboard and other components, increasing the overall cost.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: Both processors can handle video editing, but the Ryzen 7 3700U’s multi-threading capabilities give it an edge in demanding video editing tasks. Its ability to efficiently handle multiple processes simultaneously makes it a suitable choice for professional video editors.
