AMD Ryzen 3 30 vs Intel Core i7-11600H Comparison

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i7-11600H dominates the AMD Ryzen 3 30 across every single measured workload. Out of 11 head-to-head comparisons, the Intel part wins all 11, with margins ranging from a modest 18.4% in single-threaded tasks to a crushing 69.2% in prime number finding. The Ryzen 3 30, a 4-core Zen 2 mobile chip, is positioned far below the 6-core Tiger Lake-H part in raw capability. However, the comparison is not merely about speed; it is about efficiency, platform features, and the specific use case that justifies each processor's existence. The data shows a clear performance hierarchy, but the Ryzen 3 30's 15W TDP and modern 6nm node tell a story of power efficiency that the 35W Intel chip cannot match.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Core i7-11600H is decisively faster. In the PassMark multithread test, it scores 16,093 against the AMD Ryzen 3 30's 9,027, representing a 43.9% advantage. This aligns with the Intel chip's 6 cores and 12 threads versus the AMD's 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 3 30 competitive in single-threaded performance?

A: No, it trails significantly. The Intel Core i7-11600H scores 3,019 in PassMark single-thread, while the AMD Ryzen 3 30 scores 2,465. The delta is -18.4% for the AMD chip, indicating a clear deficit in lightly-threaded tasks like everyday application responsiveness.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest disparity is in the PassMark find prime numbers test. The Intel Core i7-11600H scores 65, while the AMD Ryzen 3 30 scores only 20, a difference of -69.2%. This suggests a substantial advantage for Intel in specific integer-heavy computational routines.

Q: How do the two processors compare in memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 30 has a theoretical advantage, supporting LPDDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 88.0 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-11600H supports DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. This is a specification difference, not a benchmark result.

Q: What are the power consumption characteristics of each chip?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 30 has a TDP of 15W, while the Intel Core i7-11600H has a TDP of 35W. This indicates the AMD processor is designed for a much lower power envelope, which is typical for thinner, fanless, or battery-optimized laptops.

Q: Which processor has a higher overall benchmark percentile ranking?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 30 ranks in the 74th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core i7-11600H ranks in the 73rd percentile. Despite losing every head-to-head test, the AMD chip's overall average benchmark score of 20,137 is slightly higher than the Intel's 19,921, due to its placement among different rival CPUs.

The Verdict

The data dictates a simple verdict: choose the Intel Core i7-11600H if your priority is maximum performance in any compute-intensive task. It wins every single benchmark in the comparison, from data encryption (9,718 vs 6,461) to floating-point math (32,963 vs 14,448). This is the processor for compiling code, editing video, running simulations, or any workload that can utilize its 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel chip's 35W TDP is the price you pay for this capability.

The AMD Ryzen 3 30 is not a performance competitor; it is a platform play. Its 15W TDP and 6nm process node signal a design for extreme efficiency. The data shows its average benchmark score of 20,137 actually edges out the Intel's 19,921, which suggests that in a broader context of all CPUs, it holds its own in specific aggregate metrics. However, in any direct comparison, it loses. This processor is for users who prioritize battery life and quiet operation over raw speed. The integrated Radeon 610M graphics and support for LPDDR5 memory point to a modern, efficient ultraportable design. The verdict is clear: the Intel chip is for demanding tasks, while the AMD chip is for a specific low-power niche.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most significant wins for the Intel Core i7-11600H come in compute-heavy workloads. In the PassMark extended instructions test, Intel scores 12,938 against AMD's 6,075, a -53% delta. This suggests a major advantage in workloads using advanced CPU instruction sets. Similarly, in floating-point math, Intel's 32,963 score is more than double the AMD's 14,448, a -56.2% difference. These are not marginal gains; they represent a generational and core-count gulf in number-crunching ability.

The integer performance gap is also stark. In the PassMark integer math test, Intel scores 55,437 versus AMD's 29,846, a -46.2% delta. This translates to a large advantage in general-purpose computing, database operations, and everyday multitasking. The data compression test shows a similar story, with Intel at 190,721 and AMD at 135,834, a -28.8% difference. Even in the more memory-sensitive random string sorting test, Intel leads with 22,217 against 14,431, a -35% margin.

The single-threaded results are closer but still favor Intel. In the PassMark single-thread test, Intel scores 3,019 against AMD's 2,465, a -18.4% delta. This is the smallest gap in the entire comparison. While the AMD chip is clearly outclassed in multi-threaded scenarios, the single-thread deficit is less catastrophic, meaning that basic UI responsiveness and light tasks are relatively less impacted. However, the overall pattern is one of total Intel dominance. The data shows no workload where the AMD Ryzen 3 30 can claim a win.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ fundamentally in core configuration and power. The AMD Ryzen 3 30 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i7-11600H has 6 cores and 12 threads. This 50% increase in core count is the primary driver of the Intel's multi-threaded performance advantage. The base and boost clocks also differ: AMD runs at 2.40 GHz base and 4.10 GHz boost, while Intel runs at 2.50 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. The higher boost clock contributes to Intel's lead in single-threaded benchmarks.

The thermal design power is a major differentiator. The AMD part has a 15W TDP, while the Intel part has a 35W TDP. This directly impacts the types of devices each chip can be used in. The memory support also differs: AMD supports LPDDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 88.0 GB/s bandwidth, while Intel supports DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. Interestingly, the AMD chip offers higher theoretical memory bandwidth despite its lower overall performance. The integrated graphics differ as well, with AMD featuring the Radeon 610M and Intel featuring the UHD Graphics 750. Finally, the PCIe support is different: AMD offers Gen 3 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while Intel offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), giving the Intel platform more expansion capability.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap is significant and explains the performance disparity. The AMD Ryzen 3 30 is built on the Zen 2 architecture, codenamed Mendocino, using a 6nm process node from TSMC. The Intel Core i7-11600H is built on the Tiger Lake architecture, specifically Tiger Lake-H, using a 10nm process node from Intel. The newer, smaller 6nm node gives AMD a potential efficiency advantage, but the older 10nm Intel node is paired with a more powerful core design.

Cache configurations also differ substantially. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and a massive shared 18 MB L3 cache. The larger L3 cache on the Intel part is a critical factor in its superior performance in many workloads, as it reduces the need to access slower main memory. The die size also reflects this difference: AMD's die is 100 mm², while Intel's is 190 mm², nearly double the area, indicating a more complex and larger core layout. The socket types are also different (AMD Socket FT6 vs Intel BGA 1787), meaning they are not interchangeable.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-11600H wins in every benchmark category, making it the clear choice for performance-oriented users. Its strengths are most pronounced in multi-threaded and compute-intensive tasks. The data shows it is 56.2% faster in floating-point math and 46.2% faster in integer math. It is the processor for software development, content creation, 3D rendering, and any professional workload that demands maximum throughput. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration and 18 MB of L3 cache provide the headroom needed for demanding multitasking and heavy application use. The higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz also gives it an edge in single-threaded tasks, making it a better all-around performer.

The AMD Ryzen 3 30 has no benchmark wins, but its specification sheet points to its domain: extreme efficiency. With a 15W TDP and a 6nm process node, it is designed for fanless or low-power laptops where battery life is paramount. Its support for LPDDR5 memory with 88.0 GB/s bandwidth suggests a focus on memory efficiency that can improve real-world responsiveness in light tasks. The data shows its average benchmark score of 20,137 is competitive with the Intel's 19,921, indicating it performs admirably for its power class. This is the chip for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption in a highly portable form factor. The Intel chip wins on raw power, but the AMD chip wins on the efficiency and design constraints that matter in ultraportable devices.