AMD Ryzen 3 7335U vs Intel Core i3-12100E Comparison

The Intel Core i3-12100E and AMD Ryzen 3 7335U are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, but they target fundamentally different markets: one is a desktop part, the other a mobile part. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the Intel chip scoring 16853 and the AMD chip scoring 16827, a difference of just 0.2%. However, this overall parity masks significant differences in individual workloads, architectural design, and platform features that dictate which processor is the better choice for a given system.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100E has a marginally higher average benchmark score of 16853, compared to the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U's 16827. This places the Intel part 0.2% ahead in the overall comparison.

Q: How do they compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100E scores 11559 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 8% higher than the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U's score of 10703. This shows a consistent multi-core advantage for the Intel chip across Cinebench versions.

Q: Does the AMD processor win any benchmark tests?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U wins 2 out of 17 head-to-head tests. It leads in PassMark data encryption with a score of 9335 (13.6% higher than Intel) and in PassMark integer math with a score of 42493 (3.8% higher than Intel).

Q: What is the difference in single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100E is faster in single-thread tests. It scores 3438 in PassMark single-thread, which is 12.6% higher than the AMD's 3053. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Intel chip scores 1631 versus 1511 for AMD, a 7.9% lead.

Q: What are the platform differences regarding memory support?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U supports only DDR5. The AMD chip has a specified memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is listed for the Intel part.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 7335U has a slightly higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i3-12100E's boost clock of 4.20 GHz. However, the Intel part has a higher base clock of 3.20 GHz versus AMD's 3.00 GHz.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different design philosophies from their respective manufacturers. The Intel Core i3-12100E is built on the Alder Lake architecture using a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U uses the Zen 3+ architecture (codenamed Rembrandt-R) on a 6 nm process from TSMC. This process difference contributes to the AMD chip's lower thermal design power (TDP) of 28 W, compared to the Intel chip's 60 W TDP.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Intel chip allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, sharing a 12 MB L3 cache. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a smaller 8 MB shared L3 cache. The Intel chip's larger L3 cache may help in workloads with significant data reuse.

The integrated graphics also differ: Intel pairs the i3-12100E with UHD Graphics 730, while AMD equips the Ryzen 3 7335U with Radeon 660M graphics. Platform support diverges as well, with the Intel chip on Socket 1700 with PCIe Gen 5 (20 CPU lanes), while the AMD chip uses Socket FP7 with PCIe Gen 4 (20 CPU lanes). Memory support is another differentiator, with Intel offering DDR4 and DDR5 compatibility versus AMD's DDR5-only support, though the AMD chip includes ECC memory support while the Intel chip does not.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a clear pattern: the Intel Core i3-12100E dominates the majority of benchmark tests, winning 15 of the 17 comparisons. The most dramatic Intel victories come in PassMark physics, where it scores 1185 versus AMD's 647, a massive 83.2% advantage. It also shows a 75% lead in PassMark find prime numbers (63 vs. 36) and a 31.4% advantage in floating-point math (31919 vs. 24298). These results suggest Intel's architecture is significantly stronger in certain computational workloads.

In multi-threaded performance, Intel maintains a consistent edge. The PassMark multithread test shows Intel scoring 14271 against AMD's 12592, a 13.3% lead. Cinebench results reinforce this pattern across all versions: R15 multi-core (1164 vs. 1078, 8% lead), R20 multi-core (4854 vs. 4495, 8% lead), and R23 multi-core (11559 vs. 10703, 8% lead). Single-core performance also favors Intel, with consistent leads around 8% in Cinebench and 12.6% in PassMark single-thread tests.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7335U's two victories are notable for their specificity. In data encryption, AMD scores 9335 versus Intel's 8069, a 13.6% advantage that suggests superior cryptographic instruction efficiency. In integer math, AMD scores 42493 versus Intel's 40885, a smaller 3.8% lead. These wins indicate that while AMD trails in most areas, it has particular strengths in security-related and integer-heavy tasks.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields. The Intel Core i3-12100E has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U operates at 3.00 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. The Intel chip's TDP is 60 W, more than double the AMD chip's 28 W, reflecting its desktop orientation.

Socket and platform support are entirely different: Intel uses Socket 1700, while AMD uses Socket FP7. Process technology differs, with Intel on a 10 nm node versus AMD's 6 nm node. The die sizes also vary, with Intel at 163 mm² and AMD at 208 mm².

Cache hierarchies show significant divergence: Intel provides 80 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core with 12 MB shared L3, while AMD provides 64 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core with 8 MB shared L3. Memory support differs, with Intel offering DDR4 and DDR5 and AMD offering DDR5 only. The AMD chip has a specified memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while Intel's is not listed. ECC memory support is present on the AMD chip but absent on the Intel chip. PCIe support differs by generation: Intel has Gen 5, AMD has Gen 4, both with 20 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics differ (UHD Graphics 730 vs. Radeon 660M), as do release dates (January 2022 for Intel, January 2023 for AMD). The Intel chip has a launch MSRP of $125, while no launch MSRP is listed for the AMD chip.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-12100E is the clear winner for desktop users who need maximum performance across a broad range of workloads. Its 8% advantage in Cinebench multi-core tests and 12.6% lead in PassMark single-thread make it suitable for content creation, rendering, and general productivity tasks. The massive 83.2% lead in PassMark physics and 75% lead in find prime numbers suggest it excels in simulation and scientific computing scenarios. Its support for DDR4 memory also provides flexibility for system builders looking to use existing memory modules.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7335U wins in specific niches. Its 13.6% advantage in data encryption makes it a better choice for workloads involving heavy cryptographic operations, such as secure data handling or VPN services. The 3.8% lead in integer math indicates slight superiority in certain calculation-heavy tasks. More importantly, its 28 W TDP makes it far more suitable for mobile or power-constrained systems where thermal management is critical. The integrated Radeon 660M graphics and DDR5-only support with ECC capability position it for compact, low-power systems that prioritize security features.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a straightforward choice for most users. The Intel Core i3-12100E is the superior performer in the vast majority of tests, winning 15 of 17 comparisons and offering leads ranging from 4.7% in random string sorting to 83.2% in physics. Its higher TDP of 60 W reflects a desktop design focused on sustained performance rather than power efficiency. For users building a desktop system and prioritizing raw computing power across diverse workloads, the data clearly favors the Intel chip.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7335U, while trailing in overall performance, serves a distinct purpose. Its 28 W TDP and mobile socket (FP7) make it the appropriate choice for laptops or compact systems where power consumption and heat dissipation are primary concerns. The processor's wins in encryption and integer math, combined with ECC memory support, make it attractive for security-conscious mobile users. The 0.2% difference in average benchmark scores between the two parts suggests that in real-world mixed usage, the performance gap may be less noticeable than the individual benchmark deltas imply, but the Intel chip's consistent wins make it the default recommendation for desktop applications.