The closest AMD equivalent to the Intel Core i3 processor is the Ryzen 3 line of CPUs. Much like the Core i3s, Ryzen 3 CPUs are meant for budget gamers, beginner content creators, and generally for systems without high computing demands.
The Intel Core i3 is a primary CPU line from Intel. This CPU line is intended to provide the minimal necessary performance required to run games and heavier professional software.
Hence, Intel Core i3s are often found in budget desktops and laptops due to their lower power consumption and heat generation.
The same idea is also accurate for the AMD Ryzen 3 CPUs. As such, in this article, I will discuss what AMD is equivalent to Intel Core i3.
While both AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel Core 3 are comparable, you have to consider the type and generation of Core i3 and the Ryzen 3 processors for a fair price and performance comparison. There are different models of the Ryzen 3 and Core i3, even within a particular age.
Nevertheless, despite hailing from the budget range, AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel Core i3 processors are not the weakest CPUs. The cheaper Intel Celeron, Pentium, and AMD Athlon CPUs hold that title.
Here we look at the Intel Core i3 and the AMD Ryzen 3 processors in detail and see how they compare across models and generations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
So What is AMD Equivalent to Intel Core i3?
We have already established that AMD’s RyAMD lineup is the closest equivalent to the Core i3s from Intel regarding performance and price range.
In the following text, we analyze why.
Brief Details on AMD Ryzen 3 CPU Types
Several models of CPUs belong to the Ryzen 3 family, each with different specs and features.
To make a fair comparison with the Intel Core i3 CPUs, you must note the AMD Ryzen 3 processor type.
Essentially there are three types of AMD Ryzen 3 processors that you can find:
1. Mobile/Laptop Based
Mobile-based AMD Ryzen 3 processors usually have the “U” desi “n” option, such as the AMD Ryzen 3250U or the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5450U.
The U designation relates to the fact that these processors have a low TDP, low cooling requirement, and as a result, a higher battery life.
Due to their lower TDP, the mobile-based CPUs are far weaker in performance than their desktop-based counterparts. This is true for both AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel Core i3 CPUs.
2. Desktop-Based Ryzen 3 CPUs Without iGPU
These generally have the best CPU performance, but they lack an integrated graphics card and hence cannot power the built-in video ports on the motherboards.
Examples include the Ryzen 3 3100 and the Ryzen 3 3100X. No Ryzen 3 processors from the 4000 and 5000 series are in this category.
3. Desktop-Based Ryzen 3 CPUs With iGPU
These are specialized CPUs by AMD that come with an integrated VEGA graphics card. These are often called APUs or Accelerated Processing Units.
These CPUs are great if you do not wish to spend on a dedicated graphics card. The integrated graphics here would allow you to use the built-in video ports of the motherboard.
Examples include the Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 3 4300G, and Ryzen 3 5300G.
Also Read: Difference Between Pentium and Core i3 Processors
Comparison with Intel Core i3 LineUps
Intel Core i3 family also has mobile and desktop-based processors. However, unlike AMD, which only offers an integrated GPU on its “G” series” s “CPUs, with Intel, almost all come with an integrated graphics card.
Only the Intel processors with an ‘F’ suffix LACK integrated graphics, such as the Intel Core i3 10100F.
Another difference with Intel processors is that only the “unlocked” process” or, with a “K” and ” x,” such as the Intel Core i3-9350K, are overclockable. In contrast, all AMD CPUs, including the Ryzen 3, are unlocked and overclockable.
Summary
For consumer-grade lineups, The three types of AMD Ryzen 3 CPUs are:
- Mobile/Laptop grade
- Desktop without iGPU
- Desktop with iGPU (“G” Suff” x.”
The four types of Intel Core i3 processors are.”
- Mobile “Laptop grade
- Desktop-based WITHOUT an iGPU (“F” Suff” x.”
- Desktop Locked (not overclockable)
- Desktop Unlocked (Overclockable; “K” Suff”x”
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Comparing Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 Processors
The best way to compare the two processor lines is by using the benchmark results from famous Benchmarking metrics like Passmark Or Cinebench R15.
When comparing the processor, you must look at both the single-core and multi-core performance.
This is because single-core performance matters more for some use cases and, for others, multi-core implementation.
For instance, CAD designing, FPS /RPG gaming, etc., benefit more from an excellent single-core CPU performance.
On the other hand, rendering, transcoding, streaming, simulation, and strategy games benefit more from a higher multi-core CPU performance.
Note on the Generation Parity
We had mentioned this earlier, but to reiterate this point, when comparing Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 processors, you have to make sure that you choose a similar or at least a REASONABLY similar generation from both for a fair comparison.
There has to be a parity when comparing. For instance, it would be unwise and unfair to choose a third-generation Intel Core i3-3110M processor released in 2012 and compare it with the 3rd Generation AMD Ryzen 3 3300X series released in 2020.
The two processors are eight years apart; in CPU terms, eight years is an eon.
| CPU | Specs | Type | PassMark/ Cinbench R15 Single/ R15 Multi |
| Intel Core i3 10110U | 2 Cores 4 Threads 2.1-4.1 GHz | Laptop | 4093/ 171/ 405 |
| AMD Ryzen 3 3250U | 2 Cores 4 Threads 2.6-3.5 GHz | Laptop | 4170/ 138/ 344 |
| Intel Core i3 1215U | 6 Cores – 2 Performance – 4 Efficient 8 Threads 4.4 GHz | Laptop | 12874 |
| AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | 4 Cores 4 Threads 3.6-4.0 GHz | Desktop With iGPU | 7237/ 154/ 605 |
| Intel Core i3 10320 | 4 Cores 8 Threads 3.8-4.6 GHz | Desktop | 10247/ 206/ 1080 |
| AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | 4 Cores 8 Threads 3.8-4.3 GHz | Desktop Without iGPU | 12751/ 200/ 1129 |
| Intel Core i3 12300 | 4 Cores 8 Threads 3.5-4.4 GHz | Desktop | 14955 |
The table above compares top-of-the-line Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 processors from the 10th Gen and 3000 series, respectively.
These two generations have been chosen because they have a parity in release dates, specs, and price tags.
As you can see, the Ryzen 3 and Intel Core i3 processors in both mainstream laptop and desktop-based series have similar results and specs.
The Intel Core i3-10110U does take the lead in the mobile/laptop segment variants (considering the Cinebench scores), but in the desktop segment, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X takes the information.
However, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X does not feature integrated graphics, unlike the Intel Core i3-10320.
The Intel Core i3-10320 can thus save you from investing in a dedicated graphics card for video output.
The iGPU-based AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, however, is relatively weak both in specs as well as in benchmark results. Still, it offers a superior Vega 8 graphics card that can give you decent results on popular online games such as CS: GO and Fortnite on lower graphical settings.
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Intel 12th Generation Core i3 Processors
With the advent of the latest 12th Generation, Intel has finally ended the low-level CPUs’ hiatus.
Intel and AMD skipped a generation for the Core i3 and Ryzen 3 lines of CPUs for the 11th Gen and 5000 series, respectively.
The 12th generation has seen massive desktop and laptop computing improvements.
Intel Core i3 1215U is particularly interesting here as it is more potent than any other Core i3 or Ryzen 3.
In addition, with this generation, Intel brings the Hybrid core technology whereby the CPUs have both performance and efficiency cores.
However, to compare the 12th Gen CPUs, we must wait for the next Zen 4 AM5-based AMD CPUs.
Intel Core i3 vs. Ryzen 3 Benchmarks
Passmark
Cinebench R15 (Single Core)
Surprisingly, the Intel Core i3 10320 has excellent single-core performance compared to the popular AMD Ryzen 3 3300X.
Cinebench R15 (Multi Core)
As expected, CPUs with more cores = have better multi-core performance. The Ryzen 3s have the edge over their Core i3 counterparts in multi-core performance.
Similarities Between Core i3 and Ryzen 3
Both chips are lower-end models in their respective lines. They are good options for users building a semi-performance-based PC on a tight budget and require the necessary performance for basic gaming and content creation.
They are both more than just capable of day-to-day computing needs. AMD has the Athlon series, and Intel has the Celeron and Pentium series for everyday computing.
For AMD and Intel, CPU models range from featuring two cores for mobile-based chips to 4 for desktop-based chips.
However, support for multithreading depends on the specific chip model since some Core i3s and Ryzen 3s support this while others don’t. Sdon’tey’re they’re less the same in this regard.
Among the new generations, the performance between some models in either line is almost at par, with slight differences, as seen in Cinebench R15 benchmarks. A case in point is the Ryzen 3 3300X. The 3300X’s score of 200 versus the i3-10320 – a multi-core score of 1129 vs. 1080 for the two respective processors.
Also Read: How Many Cores Does an i3 Have?
Performance/Dollar Value
Both Intel Core i3 and Ryzen 3 processors are also priced relatively the same. However, the Ryzen does seem to have a better performance/dollar value, at least when comparing the Ryzen 3000 series vs. 10th Gen Core processors.
Take, for instance, the Ryzen 3 3300X. This has an MSRP of $120. The Intel Core i3 10320 has an MSRP of $162!
AMD Ryzen does seem to falter in performance/dollar value when you compare the newer Ryzen 5000 series vs. the 11th Gen Intel Core. For instance, look up benchmarks and MSRP for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs. Intel Core i5 11600K.
When taking the performance dollar for the new 12th Gen CPUs, such as the Intel Core i3 12300 with an MSRP of $143 and Passmark score of 14955, the value for money is off the roof for now.
We will see how this fares against the newer AMD CPUs.
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Final Words
The Ryzen 3 is the closest equivalent to Intel Intel’s series in terms of performance, although, with different models and generations available, there are variations in specs and performance.
Essentially, both Ryzen 3 and Core i3 lines have sub $150 chips that perform well on entry-level systems, and some even offer decent gaming performance for budget gaming rigs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I upgrade from an Intel Core i3 to an AMD processor without changing my motherboard?
No, you cannot upgrade from an Intel Core i3 to an AMD processor without changing your motherboard. The two processor families use different socket types, which are not compatible with each other.
2. What is the price range for an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3?
The price range for an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3 varies depending on the specific model and the retailer. However, in general, AMD processors tend to be less expensive than their Intel counterparts.
3. Can an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3 handle basic gaming and multitasking?
Yes, an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3 can handle basic gaming and multitasking. However, the exact performance will depend on the specific processor model and other components in the computer.
4. What is the power consumption difference between an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3?
The power consumption difference between an AMD processor that is equivalent to the Intel Core i3 depends on the specific model and its performance capabilities.
Generally, AMD processors are known to be more power-efficient compared to Intel processors, but this can vary based on the specific use case and workload.
It’s important to consider the power requirements of your system before choosing a processor.
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Hands down to AMD chipsets for lower price comparison.