Is i5 or ryzen 5 cheaper? Let’s find out
Updated: Mar 16, 2023 9:42 am
Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 are two mid-range CPU lineups that offer powerful processors to users at a budget-friendly price point. These mid-range CPUs nail the balance in price and performance, which makes them very cost-effective. Today, we’re finding out: Is i5 or Ryzen 5 cheaper?
Now Read: Best budget CPU
Intel Core i5 vs AMD Ryzen 5: price comparison
Here we will compare the Core i5 and Ryzen 5 families to see which is not only cheaper, but better.
Intel Core i5
The latest 13th-generation Core i5 processors are available in several models, the most popular of which are the i5-13400F, the i5-13500, and the i5-13600K. The cheapest of these is the Core i5-13400F, which lacks integrated graphics and currently retails at a very budget-friendly price point of under $200.
The most expensive is the Core i5-13600K, which is an unlocked processor that retails for about $320. While you can technically pass it off as a mid-range processor, its specs and performance are comparable to those of high-end CPUs. The amount of power this chip packs is truly impressive.
Let’s also talk about older Core i5 CPUs. We’re only considering units 10th generation and above since going for anything older isn’t advisable. You can find the Core i5-10400F for just over $100, and which 6 cores and 12 threads, it’s an excellent budget pick.
Ryzen 5
The latest Ryzen 5 processor belongs to the 7000 series. It’s the Ryzen 5 7600, available in X and non-X variants. Interestingly, both models retail at the same $230 price point. The Ryzen 5 7600X originally launched at $299 but the market judged it to be a bit overpriced, and its value quickly plummeted to what it is currently.
While the 7600X is slightly better in performance, it consumes a lot more power and doesn’t come with a stock cooler, meaning the standard 7600 is always a better pick.
Older Ryzen 5 processors such as the Ryzen 5 3600 and the Ryzen 5 5600 are available for $100 to $150 today.
Which lineup is cheaper?
Overall, both lineups feature units with very similar price points and compete for the same market. With prices these similar, we can’t declare either the outright winner in terms of CPU affordability.
If you’re going with the latest generation, the Core i5-13400F is the cheapest processor from the Core i5 and Ryzen 5 lineups. But the most expensive processor also belongs to the Core i5 lineup, the Core i5-13600K.
If you’re looking at older processors, prices are basically the same. The 10400F and R5 3600 for example are almost equivalent in performance and are both available for just over $100 today. The 12400F and R5 5600X are also competing processors for just above $150.
To put it simply, you can’t go wrong with either lineup. You have to compare individual processors.
AM5 platform costs
While Zen 4 processors themselves are very competitively priced, the AM5 platform is unfortunately not. Entry-level AM5 motherboards still cost anywhere from $150 to $200, whereas you can pick up a decent Intel H610 motherboard for as little as $80. Granted, you don’t get the same features, but you still get much better value.
Also, Intel’s latest processors have compatibility with DDR4 memory, whereas the Ryzen 7000 CPUs don’t. And if you are using a mid-range Core i5 with value in mind, going with the much more affordably priced DDR4 memory is your best bet.
The final build cost ends up being significantly higher for current-gen Ryzen 5 builds.
