Choosing Between AMD Ryzen 5 3500U and Intel Core i5 1035G1: Which Laptop Processor to Opt For?

The decision to choose between an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U and an Intel Core i5 1035G1 can be quite daunting, especially when you consider that newer and more powerful processors like the Ryzen 3 5300U and i3-1125G4 might soon be available. These newer processors, both belonging to the current generation, offer advanced architectures that are likely to make older models seem less appealing.

Is it Worth Buying an Older Processor?

If you spot a laptop with an old CPU architecture like the Ryzen 5 3500U or the Intel Core i5 1035G1, and it is being sold at a significant discount, then it might be a good buy. However, it's important to note that newer low-end processors are typically cheaper than older mid-range processors of similar performance. Low-end laptops often have less RAM, but it’s generally possible to purchase configurations with at least 8GB or to upgrade the memory yourself.

Options for General Use

If the laptop is intended for general work or office purposes, the Intel Core i5 1035G1 might be the better choice. This processor uses less power and is more powerful compared to the Ryzen 5 3500U. The i5 1035G1 is backed by Intel UHD Graphics, making it a strong contender for tasks that don't require graphics-intensive workloads. Intel is renowned for its efficient power management, which can be advantageous in a general use context.

Options for Gaming

However, if you're a gamer, the situation might be different. The Ryzen 5 3500U comes equipped with an AMD Vega 8 integrated graphics, which is much faster than the UHD graphics in the i5 1035G1. While the UHD graphics are still capable, they won't offer the same experience as more dedicated GPUs, such as the MX350 or GTX 1650 from NVIDIA.

Finding a Better Alternative

For most users, the Ryzen 3 4300U might be a better option. It's cheaper than the i5 1035G1 and is both faster and more power-efficient than the Ryzen 5 3500U. If you're looking for balance between performance and cost, the Ryzen 3 4300U could be an excellent choice.

Choosing Between i5 1035G1 and Ryzen 5 3500U

After a detailed analysis, it becomes clear that the Intel Core i5 1035G1 is a significantly more powerful processor in comparison. When considering the integrated graphics, the Intel UHD G1 is a slight improvement over the previous Intel UHD graphics but still falls short of the performance of the AMD Vega 8 GPU. Therefore, I would recommend the Intel Core i5 1035G1 over the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U for general purposes. Here’s a breakdown for further clarity:

Intel Core i5 1035G1 Specifications

Base Clock Speed: 1 GHz Core Count: 2 cores Peak Boost Speed: 3.5 GHz and 3.2 GHz while using all 4 cores L3 Cache: 6 MB New Sunny Cove Cores: Improved Instructions per Cycle (IPC) by 18 compared to previous generations at the same clock speed

Performance Enhancement

The Intel Core i5-1035G1 outperforms the previous model, the i5 8250U, in significant benchmarks. Compared to the i5-9300H, which is a 45-watt processor, the 10th generation i5 1035G1 demonstrates notable improvements in certain performance metrics.

Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U and Intel Core i5 1035G1 depends on the specific needs of the user. For general tasks and power efficiency, the i5 1035G1 shines. For gaming, the Ryzen 5 3500U provides a faster integrated graphics solution, though it may not match the performance of dedicated GPUs. If you are looking for a balance of performance and cost, the Ryzen 3 4300U is a compelling choice.