CPU Comparison
AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G vs Intel Core i7-11700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop APU based on the Zen 5 architecture, built on TSMC’s 4nm process. It integrates a Radeon 860M iGPU with 8 RDNA 3.5 compute units and an XDNA 2 NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS, targeting mainstream desktop AI PCs and Copilot+ experiences rather than pure gaming or workstation builds. With a 65W default TDP and AM5 socket, it is designed primarily for OEM systems rather than DIY retail.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Eight Zen 5 cores at up to 5.1 GHz deliver strong single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for office applications, web browsing, and light creative work, comparable to other 8-core Zen 5 desktop CPUs at similar power envelopes.
8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.
Gaming
The Radeon 860M iGPU provides playable 1080p performance in esports and older titles at medium settings, but newer AAA games often require reduced settings or resolution. It is outclassed by even low-end discrete GPUs and is weaker than the previous 8700G’s Radeon 780M in raw GPU throughput.
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Virtualization
With support for ECC (on appropriate boards), 256GB DDR5, and AMD-V/AMD-Vi, the 450G is a capable host for small VMs and containers, though power users running many concurrent VMs may prefer higher-core-count Ryzen 9 or Threadripper parts.
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
Efficiency
At 65W, the 450G offers a good balance of performance and power draw, and the 4nm Zen 5 cores are efficient at this TDP. However, users wanting the absolute best efficiency per dollar can find cheaper alternatives that trade some performance for lower cost.
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Up to 50 TOPS from the XDNA 2 NPU, meeting Microsoft’s Copilot+ desktop requirements for local AI experiences.
- Well suited to on-device LLMs, AI-assisted coding tools, and background AI features in Windows and applications.
- NPU is significantly more capable than the 16 TOPS units in previous Ryzen 8000G desktop APUs, shifting the balance toward AI rather than pure iGPU performance.
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Radeon 860M with 8 RDNA 3.5 CUs is a step down in raw compute vs the older Radeon 780M (12 CUs) found in Ryzen 7 8700G, so integrated gaming performance is not a clear upgrade.
- Suitable for 1080p low/medium in esports and older titles; newer AAA games may need 900p/720p or low settings.
- Modern feature set including AV1 decode/encode and DisplayPort 2.1 is a plus for media and connectivity.
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 8 Zen 5 CPU cores with strong single- and multi-threaded performance at 65W.
- 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU for local AI and Copilot+ experiences.
- Radeon 860M iGPU with modern RDNA 3.5 feature set and AV1 support.
- AM5 platform with DDR5, PCIe 4.0, and potential ECC support.
- Unlocked multiplier and full overclocking support via EXPO, PBO and Curve Optimizer.
Cons
- iGPU has fewer CUs than the previous Ryzen 7 8700G, so integrated gaming performance is not a clear upgrade.
- Only 12 usable PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU, limiting multi-GPU and heavy NVMe configs.
- OEM-only availability; not sold as a boxed retail CPU for DIY builders.
- Lower base clock than Ryzen 7 8700G, which may lightly hurt lightly-threaded workloads depending on boost behavior.
- New platform still early in its lifecycle; long-term BIOS/maturity may vary by vendor.
Pros
- Includes UHD 750 integrated graphics
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Good single-core performance
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is power-hungry under load
- End-of-life LGA 1200 platform
- Runs warm compared to 10nm chips
Competitors & Alternatives
AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GRival
Desktop APU (Previous Gen)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 245KRival
Mainstream Desktop CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KRival
Mainstream Desktop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Desktop CPU
Same silicon with additional PRO manageability and security features for business desktops.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-11700
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture, better efficiency, and similar performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value and power efficiency.
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior multi-core and gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More efficient 8-core alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-rounded desktop APU that shifts the balance from raw iGPU performance toward on-device AI and efficiency, making it interesting for AI-assisted office and creative workflows, but less compelling for pure gaming or heavy CPU rendering compared to cheaper alternatives.
Best for: OEM desktop AI PC where you want integrated Copilot+ capability, strong general performance, and casual gaming without a discrete GPU.
Read the full reviewA well-rounded 8-core CPU that offers great everyday performance and integrated graphics, though it lags in efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 PC and wanting integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G or Intel Core i7-11700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G or Intel Core i7-11700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700 leads with a gaming performance score of 84/100 among AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G and Intel Core i7-11700.
Do AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G and Intel Core i7-11700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G: AM5, Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.