AMD Ryzen 3 7440U vs Intel Core 3 100U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data shows a clear split between the Intel Core 3 100U and AMD Ryzen 3 7440U, with each taking decisive wins in different workload categories. The AMD part wins 12 of the 17 head-to-head tests, while Intel takes 5. However, the magnitude of those wins tells a more nuanced story.

In the Cinebench suite, the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U holds a consistent 3.8% advantage across all six tests. That includes Cinebench R23 multi-core, where AMD scores 11042 against Intel's 10624, and Cinebench R23 single-core, where AMD posts 1558 versus 1499. The same 3.8% delta appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core (4637 vs 4462), R20 single-core (654 vs 629), R15 multi-core (1112 vs 1070), and R15 single-core (156 vs 150). This uniformity suggests a fundamental efficiency edge in AMD's architecture rather than a workload-specific quirk.

PassMark multi-thread results reinforce AMD's lead, with the Ryzen 3 7440U scoring 12991 against Intel's 12522, a 3.6% gap. PassMark physics also favors AMD, 939 versus 876, a 6.7% margin. Data compression shows a larger 11.2% win for AMD (153689 vs 136497), and data encryption extends that to 11.8% (9215 vs 8128). The most dramatic AMD victory comes in random string sorting, where it leads by 29.3% (21479 vs 15191), and in extended instructions, where the gap reaches 23.8% (10356 vs 7894).

Intel's counterattack is concentrated in math-heavy and single-threaded workloads. The Core 3 100U wins PassMark single-thread by 34.1% (3506 vs 2614), a substantial margin that appears in both the single_thread and singlethread entries. Floating point math is Intel's biggest win at 39.6% (28322 vs 20291). Integer math goes Intel's way by 7.7% (39580 vs 36758), and prime number finding favors Intel by 30% (52 vs 40), though the absolute scores here are low for both parts.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. Intel's Core 3 100U uses Raptor Lake-U architecture built on Intel's 10 nm process, while AMD's Ryzen 3 7440U uses Zen 4 architecture on TSMC's 4 nm node. AMD's process advantage is significant, with the Ryzen 3 7440U packing 20,900 million transistors into a 137 mm² die. Intel does not list transistor count or die size in the database.

Core configurations differ notably. Intel offers 6 cores and 8 threads, while AMD provides 4 cores and 8 threads. Both use simultaneous multithreading, but Intel's extra physical cores give it a structural advantage in raw parallel capacity, while AMD's Zen 4 cores are individually more efficient per clock.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. Intel allocates 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, with 10 MB of shared L3. AMD uses 64 KB L1 per core and 1 MB L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3. Intel's larger cache per core and larger total L3 suggest an emphasis on keeping data close to the execution units, while AMD's smaller cache footprint is offset by its more advanced process node.

Memory support separates the two clearly. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, while AMD supports only DDR5. AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s; Intel does not provide a bandwidth figure in the database. AMD also supports ECC memory, which Intel does not.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. Intel provides Gen 4 with 8 CPU-only lanes, while AMD provides Gen 4 with 14 CPU-only lanes. AMD's additional lanes could matter for systems needing more direct storage or peripheral connectivity.

Integrated graphics are another distinction. Intel pairs the CPU with UHD Graphics 64EU, while AMD uses Radeon 740M. Both target mobile platforms, and the database records no specific graphics benchmark comparisons between them.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 7440U is the better choice for rendering workloads, general productivity, and memory-intensive tasks. Its consistent 3.8% edge across every Cinebench test, from R15 through R23, indicates a reliable advantage in CPU-bound content creation. The 11.2% lead in data compression and 11.8% lead in encryption make it suitable for file archiving and security-related workloads. The 29.3% win in random string sorting suggests stronger performance in text processing and data manipulation tasks. The 23.8% margin in extended instructions points to better execution of advanced instruction set features, which could benefit scientific computing and specialized software.

The Intel Core 3 100U excels in single-threaded responsiveness and math-heavy calculations. Its 34.1% lead in PassMark single-thread performance is the largest single-core gap in the entire comparison, meaning snappier application launches and better performance in lightly threaded software. The 39.6% win in floating point math makes it the pick for financial modeling, engineering simulations, and any workload dominated by floating point operations. The 30% advantage in prime number finding, while small in absolute terms, shows strength in integer-heavy algorithmic work. The 7.7% integer math win adds to this picture.

For gaming, the data is mixed. PassMark physics, often correlated with game performance, favors AMD by 6.7%. But Intel's strong single-thread and floating point results could benefit certain game engines. The database does not include dedicated gaming benchmarks, so conclusions must remain limited to the recorded tests.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ across nearly every major specification category. Intel provides 6 cores and 8 threads, while AMD provides 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are dramatically different: Intel runs at 1.20 GHz, AMD at 3.00 GHz. Boost clocks are identical at 4.70 GHz for both. Thermal design power differs, with Intel rated at 15 W and AMD at 28 W, meaning Intel is designed for cooler, lighter chassis.

Sockets are incompatible: Intel uses BGA 1744, AMD uses Socket FP7. Process nodes differ at 10 nm for Intel versus 4 nm for AMD. Foundries are Intel versus TSMC. L1 cache is 80 KB per core for Intel versus 64 KB per core for AMD. L2 is 1.25 MB per core for Intel versus 1 MB per core for AMD. L3 is 10 MB shared for Intel versus 8 MB shared for AMD.

Memory support is broader on Intel (DDR4 and DDR5) versus AMD (DDR5 only). Memory bandwidth is listed for AMD at 89.6 GB/s, not listed for Intel. ECC support exists only on AMD. PCIe lanes favor AMD at 14 versus Intel's 8, both Gen 4. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 64EU on Intel, Radeon 740M on AMD. Release dates differ as well, with Intel launching on 2024-01-07 and AMD on 2023-05-02. Intel lists a launch MSRP of $426; AMD has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 3 100U has 6 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Do they require different motherboards?

A: Yes. Intel uses the BGA 1744 socket, while AMD uses Socket FP7. They are not interchangeable.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 100U does not.

Q: What is the boost clock for each?

A: Both CPUs boost to 4.70 GHz. The base clocks differ, with Intel at 1.20 GHz and AMD at 3.00 GHz.

Q: Which CPU is better for floating point calculations?

A: The Intel Core 3 100U wins PassMark floating point math by 39.6%, scoring 28322 versus AMD's 20291.

Q: Which CPU has faster single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core 3 100U leads PassMark single-thread by 34.1% (3506 vs 2614). However, the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U wins all Cinebench single-core tests by 3.8%.

The Verdict

The data points to two distinct use cases. The AMD Ryzen 3 7440U is the stronger all-round performer for multi-threaded productivity and content creation. Its consistent 3.8% lead across every Cinebench version, plus larger wins in compression, encryption, and string sorting, makes it the safer choice for users who run diverse workloads and want predictable performance across rendering, archiving, and data processing. The 28 W TDP is higher, but the performance gains in most measured areas justify the thermal cost for systems that can handle it.

The Intel Core 3 100U is the pick for users prioritizing single-thread responsiveness and specific math workloads. The 34.1% PassMark single-thread lead is substantial, and the 39.6% floating point advantage is the largest margin recorded in this comparison. The 15 W TDP also makes it the better fit for thinner, passively cooled or low-power designs. For office work, web browsing, and lightly threaded applications, Intel's higher single-thread score should translate to snappier real-world feel.

The overall average benchmark scores are close: Intel averages 16148 across all tests, AMD averages 15682. Both sit in the 69th to 70th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core 3 100U's nearest rival is the Intel Core i7-10850H at 0.3% lower average score, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-11400H at 0.4% higher. Neither part dominates the other in aggregate; the choice should come down to which workload categories matter most to the user. For balanced multi-threaded work, choose AMD. For single-thread and math-heavy tasks on a lower power budget, choose Intel.