Core i5-1235U Vs Ryzen 7 7730U: Performance Tested

AMD recently launched the Ryzen 7 7730U. Branded under the Ryzen 7000 series, it becomes part of the Zen 3 Barcelo lineup. Today, I’ll compare this power-efficient CPU to one from Intel’s Alder Lake arsenal. Read on to find the winner of the Core i5-1235U vs Ryzen 7 7730U competition.

Key Takeaways

• Firstly, the Core i5-1235U uses Intel’s 10nm ESF (Intel 7) node, while the Ryzen 7 7730U uses TSMC’s 7nm FinFET node.
• In multi-core applications, the Ryzen 7 7730U is 22.6% faster. Meanwhile, in single-core applications, the Core i5-1235U outperformed by 9.1%.
• Regarding prices, Core i5-1235U laptops are in the $433-$3100 price bracket, while Ryzen 7 7730U laptops cost between $695 and $1669.
• The Core i5-1235U has better overall value as it’s much cheaper at a fraction of the performance difference.

Comparison Table

Let’s compare the specifications of the two CPUs to trace the similarities and differences.

Core i5-1235U vs Ryzen 7 7730U

The DDR4 support, maximum RAM capacity, and the number of PCIe lanes for I/O are among the similarities. Also, the two CPUs may have the same 15W base TDP.

Also Read: Intel Core i5-1235U Vs AMD Ryzen 5 7520U

Architectural Differences: 

1. Process Nodes: The Intel Core i5-1235U utilizes the Intel 7 (10nm) processing node, while the Ryzen 7 7730U uses TSMC’s 7nm node. In transistor density, these two nodes are roughly equal.
2. Core/Thread Counts: The Core i5-1235U has 10 cores, with 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 7 7730U has 8 full-power cores. Regarding thread counts, the Core i5-1235U has 12 (since E-cores don’t have hyperthreading), while the Ryzen CPU has 16.
3. Clock Speeds: The AMD Ryzen 7730U has impressive clock speeds, with 2.0GHz at base and 4.5GHz at the boost mode. In contrast, the Core i5-1235U clocks 1.3GHz (P-cores) and 0.9GHz (E-cores) at base. The Intel Turbo Boost mode pushes these speeds to 4.4GHz and 3.3GHz, respectively. 
4. Memory: Intel’s Core i5-1235U extends support to DDR5 (up to 5200 MT/s) and LPDDR5 (up to 6400 MT/s) memory. In contrast, the Ryzen 7 CPU is limited to DDR4 and LPDDR4x. Also, the Ryzen 7 7730U supports ECC memory, while the Core i5-1235U does not.
5. Cache: The Core i5-1235U has higher L1 and L2 Cache per core capacities. In total, it has 928KB of L1 cache and 9.5MB of L2 cache, compared to 512KB and 4MB (respectively) of its Ryzen competitor. As for the L3 Cache, the Ryzen 7 7730U (16MB) betters the Core i5-1235U. (12MB)
6. TDP: The Core i5-1235U may be less power-consuming than the Ryzen 7 7730U as it can be configured between 12 to 15 watts. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 7730U has a fixed base TDP rating of 15 watts. Regarding boost TDP, the Core i5-1235U is rated 55 watts, while the Ryzen 7 7730U doesn’t have a boost TDP rating.

Performance: Core i5-1235U Vs Ryzen 7 7730U

Let’s compare the two laptop CPUs in performance.

Cinebench R15

• Starting with Cinebench R15, the AMD Ryzen 7730U starts with a 60% lead, scoring 1893 multi-core points. Meanwhile, the Core i5-1235U managed 1177 points.
• As for the single-core test, the Ryzen 7 7730U took a narrow 5-point victory.

Cinebench R23

• Moving on to Cinebench R23, the Ryzen 7 7730U continues dominating with 10302 points over 6618 of the Core i5-1235U. 
• The Core i5-1235U is the better single-core performer with 1654 points, taking a 14.4% lead over the Ryzen 7 7730U.

Related: Core i5 1235U Vs Ryzen 5 7530U

Geekbench 5

• My next benchmark is Geekbench 5, in which the Ryzen 7 7730U (7454 points) outscores the Core i5-1235U (6333 points) again.
• The Intel Core i5-1235U has another lead in single-core performance here, with 1580 points over the Ryzen 7 7730U’s score of 1474.

Summing Up The Multi-Core And Single-Core Performance

Before moving on to the remaining benchmarks, here’s a look at the average multi-core and single-core scores.

• Multi-core Performance: The AMD Ryzen 7 7730U averaged 8031 points in the three applications, compared to the Core i5-1235U’s score of 6549 points. Thus, on average, the Ryzen 7 7730U is 22.6% faster in multi-core applications. 
• Single-core Performance: The Core i5-1235U accumulated an average of 1151 points while the Ryzen 7 7730U notched up 1048 points. So, the Core i5-1235U is about 9.1% faster in single-core applications.

Also Check: Core i7-1255U Vs Core i5-1335U

3DMark Time Spy CPU Benchmark

• Moving on, the Ryzen 7 7730U (7112 points) bettered the Core i5-1235U (5647 points) in the 3DMark Time Spy test.
• Here, the Ryzen 7 7730U has a 26% lead.  

You can read our benchmarking guide to learn how to perform benchmarks like this one.

Blender 3.3 Classroom

• In the Blender render benchmark, the Ryzen 7 7730U rendered the scene in 503 seconds. The Core i5-1235U took much longer, at 846 seconds.
• In exact, the Ryzen 7 7730U rendered the scene 68.1% faster.

Similar Comparison: Ryzen 7 7730U Vs Ryzen 7 5700U

Power Consumption

Here’s a look at the average power consumption at idle and under loads. 

Reminder: 

• Core i5-1235U: Base power = 12-15W, boost power = 55W
• Ryzen 7 7730U: Base power = 15W, boost power = N/A

• Idle power consumption: The Core i5-1235U used up 6.2 watts of power, whereas AMD’s Ryzen 7 7730U consumed 6.8 watts.
• Load power consumption: Under load, the Ryzen 7 7730U consumed 54.6 watts of power, while the Core i5-1235U was 9.4% more efficient, drawing 49.9 watts.

Laptop Prices 

How much do the laptops using these CPUs cost? Let’s take a look. 

Note: The prices have been estimated from Amazon US and are valid as of July 2023. 

• Core i5-1235U: Entry-level laptops start at $433, while the best-selling options are in the $479-$929 range. The most expensive laptop can cost up to $3100, which is HP’s Elitebook 860 G9.
• Ryzen 7 7730U: Laptops using this Ryzen 7 chip cost $695 at the minimum, while the most popular ones cost between $695 and $1419. At most, you’ll be looking to pay $1669 for a Ryzen 7 7730U laptop. 

Ryzen 7 7730U Vs Core i5-1235U: Better Value?

We’ve discussed the performance and prices, so which CPU has more value?

• The Ryzen 7 7730U performed 22.6% faster in multi-core applications and was beaten by 9.1% in single-core performance.
• Looking at the remaining benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 7730U comprehensively outperformed the Core i5-1235U. As for power consumption, the Core i5-1235U was 9.4% more efficient under load. 
• However, when we look at the laptop prices, you’ll be paying 60.5% more for an entry-level Ryzen 7 7730U laptop than a Core i5-1235U one.
• This price difference is much greater than the performance difference, and the Ryzen CPU is also more power-consuming. So, the Core i5-1235U is the better CPU concerning value.

Also Check: Core i7-1365U Vs AMD Ryzen 7 7730U

Final Thoughts 

While the Ryzen 7 7730U performed significantly better (minus the single-core performance), the Core i5-1235U provides more performance per dollar. Furthermore, with the Ryzen 7 7730U, you’ll miss out on DDR5 support and high-speed PCIe Gen 4 storage.

If you want high performance, especially for heavier workloads like rendering, the Ryzen 7 7730U will serve you well with its better multi-core performance. If your workloads are lighter, the Core i5-1235U will be ideal — and you will get more value for your dollar.

Pros And Cons