AMD EPYC 7573X vs Intel Core Ultra 7 164U Comparison

The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U and AMD EPYC 7573X occupy opposite ends of the computing spectrum, yet their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, differing by only 0.02%. The Intel part is a 12-core mobile processor with a 9W TDP, while the AMD chip is a 32-core server behemoth with a 280W TDP. Despite this, the data shows a complete sweep in head-to-head testing: the EPYC 7573X wins all six Cinebench comparisons, with the Intel chip trailing by margins ranging from -73.2% to -85.1%. The following analysis breaks down these results, architectural differences, and the specific use cases where each processor excels.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the AMD EPYC 7573X dominates every single-core and multi-core Cinebench test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the EPYC 7573X scores 59,017 against the Core Ultra 7 164U's 8,766, a delta of -85.1%. This is the largest gap in the entire comparison, reflecting the EPYC's massive core advantage and higher power envelope. The single-core results tell a similar story, with the EPYC 7573X scoring 8,331 in Cinebench R23 single-core versus 1,590 for the Intel part, a -80.9% difference. The Intel processor simply cannot match the raw throughput of the server chip in any rendering workload.

The margins are consistent across older Cinebench versions as well. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the EPYC 7573X posts 24,787 versus 4,488 for the Core Ultra 7 164U, a -81.9% delta. The single-core R20 test shows the same -81.9% gap, with scores of 3,499 and 633 respectively. Even in Cinebench R15, where the absolute numbers are lower, the pattern holds: the EPYC 7573X scores 5,948 multi-core and 839 single-core, while the Intel chip scores 1,304 and 225, yielding deltas of -78.1% and -73.2%. The EPYC 7573X is roughly four to seven times faster in these tests, depending on the specific workload.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U does have its own benchmark strengths outside the Cinebench suite, though they are not captured in the head-to-head table. Its PassMark scores include 137,133 in data compression, 50,387 in integer math, and 33,581 in floating point math. It also achieves a single-thread PassMark score of 2,996. However, the head-to-head data shows zero wins for the Intel part, with the EPYC 7573X taking all six comparisons. The average benchmark score for each CPU is nearly identical—17,074 for Intel and 17,070 for AMD—but that average masks the extreme divergence in workload-specific performance. The EPYC 7573X's wins are decisive, while the Intel chip's advantages lie in areas not covered by the head-to-head tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U has an average benchmark score of 17,074, while the AMD EPYC 7573X scores 17,070. The difference is just 4 points, or 0.02%, making them statistically equivalent in overall average performance.

Q: How large is the performance gap in multi-core rendering?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD EPYC 7573X scores 59,017 compared to the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U's 8,766, representing an -85.1% delta. This is the largest margin in any head-to-head test.

Q: Does the Intel chip win any head-to-head benchmark?

A: No. The head-to-head data lists six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, and R23, each in single-core and multi-core), and the AMD EPYC 7573X wins all six. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U has zero wins in this comparison.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U has a TDP of 9 watts, while the AMD EPYC 7573X has a TDP of 280 watts. This represents a 31-fold difference in power consumption.

Q: How do their single-core scores compare in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD EPYC 7573X scores 8,331 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U scores 1,590. The EPYC is 80.9% faster in this test.

Q: What memory configurations do they support?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U supports dual-channel DDR5 memory, while the AMD EPYC 7573X supports eight-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. The Intel part does not support ECC memory, while the AMD part does.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U uses the Meteor Lake architecture, fabricated on Intel's 7 nm process node. It features 12 cores and 14 threads, with a base clock of 1100 MHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG with 64 execution units. The AMD EPYC 7573X, by contrast, uses the Zen 3 architecture under the Milan-X codename, fabricated by TSMC on a 7 nm node. It has 32 cores and 64 threads, with a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. Its cache is dramatically larger: 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 768 MB of shared L3 cache.

The transistor and die details also differ sharply. The AMD EPYC 7573X contains 33,200 million transistors spread across 8 dies, each measuring 81 mm². The Intel chip does not have listed transistor or die size data. The EPYC 7573X supports eight-channel DDR4 memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth and ECC memory, while the Intel part supports dual-channel DDR5 with no ECC capability. PCIe connectivity is another major split: the AMD chip offers Gen 4 with 128 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel chip offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The Intel part includes integrated graphics, whereas the AMD part has none.

The market segments are opposite as well. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is a mobile processor, released on December 13, 2023, with a launch MSRP of $448. The AMD EPYC 7573X is a server/workstation processor, released on March 21, 2022, with a launch MSRP of $5590. Both have active production status and locked multipliers. The Intel part uses socket Intel BGA 2551, while the AMD part uses AMD Socket SP3. The Intel part number is SRN85, and the AMD part number is 100-000000506WOF100-000000506.

The Verdict

The data leads to a clear verdict: the AMD EPYC 7573X is the superior processor for any compute-heavy workload, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is the right choice for power-constrained mobile applications. The EPYC 7573X wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from -73.2% to -85.1%. Its 32 cores and 64 threads, combined with 768 MB of L3 cache, deliver massive multi-threaded performance that the 12-core, 14-thread Intel chip cannot approach. The EPYC 7573X also wins single-core tests by substantial margins, indicating that even per-thread performance favors the AMD part in these benchmarks.

However, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U has its own domain. Its 9W TDP makes it suitable for fanless or low-power mobile designs, whereas the EPYC 7573X requires 280W and a server-class cooling solution. The Intel chip includes integrated Arc graphics, which the EPYC lacks, and supports dual-channel DDR5 memory. The average benchmark scores are nearly tied (17,074 vs 17,070), but that parity is misleading: the EPYC 7573X's performance is concentrated in heavy compute tasks, while the Intel chip's scores come from a broader mix of PassMark tests including data compression (137,133) and integer math (50,387). For a system that must render, compile, or process large datasets, the EPYC 7573X is the only rational choice. For a thin-and-light laptop, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is the only viable option given the power and thermal constraints.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every specification. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U has 12 cores and 14 threads, while the AMD EPYC 7573X has 32 cores and 64 threads. Base clocks are 1100 MHz for Intel versus 2800 MHz for AMD, and boost clocks are 4.80 GHz versus 3.60 GHz. TDP is 9W versus 280W. The Intel chip uses socket Intel BGA 2551, while the AMD chip uses AMD Socket SP3. Cache sizes diverge sharply: L1 is 112 KB per core on Intel versus 64 KB per core on AMD; L2 is 2 MB per core versus 512 KB per core; L3 is 12 MB shared versus 768 MB shared.

Memory support differs completely: Intel supports DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and no ECC, while AMD supports DDR4 with an eight-channel bus and ECC. Memory bandwidth is listed only for AMD at 204.8 GB/s. PCIe lanes are 8 (Gen 4) for Intel versus 128 (Gen 4) for AMD. Integrated graphics are present on Intel (Arc Xe-LPG 64EU) but absent on AMD. Market segments are Mobile versus Server/Workstation. Release dates are December 13, 2023, for Intel and March 21, 2022, for AMD. Launch MSRP is $448 for Intel and $5590 for AMD. Transistor count (33,200 million) and die size (8x 81 mm²) are listed only for AMD. The process node is 7 nm for both, but the foundry differs: Intel for the Core Ultra, TSMC for the EPYC.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 7573X wins in every scenario that demands raw compute throughput. The Cinebench results show it is between 3.7x and 6.7x faster than the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, depending on the test. Multi-core rendering, scientific simulation, and database workloads will all favor the EPYC 7573X. Its 768 MB of L3 cache is a massive advantage for workloads that fit within that footprint. The 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes and eight-channel memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth make it suitable for high-performance server configurations with many GPUs or NVMe drives. The EPYC 7573X also supports ECC memory, which is critical for data integrity in server environments.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U wins in the mobile and low-power segment. Its 9W TDP is a fraction of the EPYC's 280W, enabling passive cooling and long battery life. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics provide display output and basic acceleration without a discrete GPU. The dual-channel DDR5 support and Gen 4 PCIe with 8 lanes are appropriate for a thin laptop. The Intel chip's PassMark scores in data compression (137,133), integer math (50,387), and floating point math (33,581) indicate it handles everyday productivity tasks competently. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a differentiator. The Intel part's 4.80 GHz boost clock is higher than the EPYC's 3.60 GHz, which helps in bursty single-threaded tasks, though the Cinebench single-core results still favor AMD. The choice is not about which is better overall—it is about which fits the intended system. The EPYC 7573X is for servers; the Core Ultra 7 164U is for ultraportable devices. The data supports both conclusions without ambiguity.