AMD Ryzen 3 7320U vs Intel Core i5-1038NG7

This is a clash of eras and architectures: AMD’s Ryzen 3 7320U, built on the modern Zen 4-based Mendocino core, faces off against Intel’s Core i5-1038NG7, a 2020 Ice Lake-U part. Though both target ultraportable laptops, they represent different generations of mobile computing. The Ryzen 7320U, released in 2023, benefits from a newer 6 nm process, while the i5-1038NG7 dates back to 2020 and uses Intel’s 10 nm node. The generational gap is significant — the Ryzen is nearly three years newer, meaning it’s designed with modern efficiency and performance in mind, while the Intel chip is already aging in a rapidly evolving market.

In terms of core count, the two processors are equal: both feature 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) on the AMD side and Hyper-Threading on Intel’s. However, the Ryzen 7320U operates at a higher base clock speed of 2.4 GHz compared to the i5-1038NG7’s 2.0 GHz. This frequency advantage, combined with AMD’s newer architecture, gives the Ryzen a slight edge in per-core performance. The TDP difference is also notable — the Ryzen runs at a much lower 15 W versus the Intel chip’s 28 W, suggesting better power efficiency for battery-powered devices.

Cache hierarchy reveals a different story. The i5-1038NG7 boasts a larger 5.722 MiB L3 cache, while the Ryzen 7320U has a smaller 3.815 MiB. However, the Ryzen compensates with a more generous 0.488 MiB L2 cache compared to Intel’s 0.244 MiB. While the Intel chip has more total cache, the Ryzen’s more balanced hierarchy may offer better performance in workloads that benefit from faster L2 access. The architectural difference — Zen 4-based Mendocino versus Ice Lake — also influences how efficiently each processor manages cache and data flow.

Benchmark results tell a clear tale. The Ryzen 7320U scores 5036 in overall performance, ranking #847 of 2060, while the i5-1038NG7 achieves 5318, placing it at #602. The Intel chip is notably stronger in single-core performance (5530 vs. 5156) and ranks higher overall, but the Ryzen is competitive in multicore (4855 vs. 4999). The i5-1038NG7’s single-core lead is significant — it’s #535 in singlecore rankings, while the Ryzen is #847 — indicating better responsiveness in everyday tasks and legacy software.

Despite its age, the i5-1038NG7 holds its ground, especially in single-threaded workloads, thanks to Intel’s optimization and larger L3 cache. However, the Ryzen 7320U’s lower TDP, newer process, and better multicore efficiency make it a more compelling choice for modern productivity and light creative tasks in thin-and-light laptops. The Intel chip still offers solid performance, but its 10 nm process and higher power draw limit its appeal in 2026.

As of April 2026, the Ryzen 3 7320U represents a more future-proof option for users prioritizing battery life and modern features. The i5-1038NG7 remains capable, particularly for single-threaded applications, but its age and higher power consumption make it less suitable for new purchases. For ultraportable laptops, the Ryzen’s efficiency and up-to-date architecture give it the edge, even if the Intel chip still holds a small performance lead in isolated single-core scenarios.