AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core i7-14700K
The Intel Core i7-14700K is the winner here due to its incredible multi-core performance with 20 cores compared to just 6 on the AMD Ryzen 5 5500. This makes it a powerhouse for heavy tasks like gaming and content creation, especially in 2026 when workloads are increasing in intensity. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 shines as a budget-friendly option, especially with its low 65W TDP. This translates to lower heat generation and easier cooling, making it a no-brainer for those on a budget or looking to build a compact setup without sacrificing too much performance in everyday tasks.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core i7-14700K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core i7-14700K
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core i7-14700K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | Intel Core i7-14700K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.6(10)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 20 Cores (8P + 12E) / 28 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | P-Core: 3.4 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 2.5 / 4.3 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 28 MB L2 + 33 MB L3 (61 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 253 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1600 MHz) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | No (360mm Liquid cooler highly recommended) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Based on 'Cezanne' silicon (disabled iGPU). Limited to PCIe 3.0 speed (slower than 5600/5600X). Smaller L3 cache (16MB) impacts gaming performance vs. standard Zen 3 (32MB). | Known for extremely high power draw and heat; often exceeds 253W limit on default motherboard settings. 4 extra E-cores vs i7-13700K. LGA1700 platform is end-of-life (no future upgrades). |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) |
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available
- • Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
- • Works on virtually any AM4 motherboard (A320 to X570)
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern SSDs and GPUs
- • Half the L3 cache of the Ryzen 5 5600, resulting in lower gaming FPS
- • No integrated graphics
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Intel Core i7-14700K
✓ Pros:
- • Significant multi-core performance boost over 13700K (4 extra E-cores)
- • Excellent gaming performance, rivaling top-tier flagships
- • Versatile memory support (DDR4 for budget, DDR5 for performance)
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption and thermal output
- • Requires a high-end cooling solution (360mm AIO recommended)
- • Dead-end platform (LGA1700) with no upgrade path to Core Ultra
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i7-14700K is the better buy for most people - its 20 cores crush the AMD Ryzen 5 5500's 6 cores.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if: you want an affordable CPU for basic gaming, you need a cooler that comes included, or you aim for low power consumption.
Choose the Intel Core i7-14700K if: you require top-notch performance for gaming, you’re into heavy multi-threaded tasks, or you plan to use the latest PCIe 5.0 SSDs.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 excels if you value most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. Intel Core i7-14700K is better if you prioritize significant multi-core performance boost over 13700k (4 extra e-cores). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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