AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

Intel Core 5 221TE and AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE are two desktop processors that target similar performance tiers but achieve their results through very different designs. The benchmark database shows a clear overall winner in the Intel part, with 11 wins against 6 for the AMD chip across all recorded tests. However, the nature of those wins reveals a complex performance picture, with the AMD processor taking decisive victories in several single-threaded and specialized workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 221TE establishes its dominance in multi-core and heavily parallel workloads. In the Cinebench suite, the Intel processor consistently leads by a margin of 4.2% across R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests. The scores tell a straightforward story: 1139 versus 1093 in R15 multicore, 4748 versus 4555 in R20 multicore, and 11305 versus 10846 in R23 multicore. This consistency suggests a structural advantage rather than workload-specific optimization.

Single-core Cinebench results follow the same pattern, with the Intel chip winning by 3.9% in R15 (160 versus 154) and 4.2% in R20 and R23 (670 versus 643 and 1596 versus 1531 respectively). The margin is modest but uniform, indicating that the Intel architecture holds a slight clock-for-clock advantage in rendering tasks.

The PassMark suite reveals where each processor excels. The Intel Core 5 221TE delivers a massive 90.3% advantage in the find prime numbers test, scoring 59 against the AMD chip's 31. Floating point math also favors Intel heavily, with a 31.3% lead (31661 versus 24115). The physics test shows a 77% gap in Intel's favor, with scores of 977 versus 552. These results point to the Intel chip's superior raw computational throughput in mathematically intensive operations.

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE fights back in several key areas. The most striking result is in PassMark single-thread testing, where the AMD chip scores 3089 against Intel's 1734, a 43.9% advantage. This is a dramatic reversal from the Cinebench single-core results, suggesting the AMD architecture handles the PassMark single-thread workload much more efficiently. Data encryption also favors AMD by 6.3% (9564 versus 8963), while extended instructions show a 6.9% lead (10368 versus 9655). Integer math goes to AMD by 5.3% (44665 versus 42303), and random string sorting sees a modest 1.9% AMD advantage (17255 versus 16929).

The average benchmark scores place these processors nearly equal, with Intel at 17860 and AMD at 17482. Both sit at the 71st percentile against all CPUs in the database. Intel's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, which scores 17891 with a delta of -0.2%, and the Intel Core 7 350 at 17779 with a delta of 0.5%. AMD's closest competitor is the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G at 17507 with a -0.1% delta, followed by the Intel Core 7 150U at 17395 with a 0.5% delta.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses a 10 nm process built by Intel itself, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE uses a 7 nm process from TSMC. This process advantage gives AMD a denser transistor layout: the AMD chip packs 10,700 million transistors into a 180 mm² die, whereas Intel fits its design into a larger 215 mm² package.

Core counts diverge sharply. The Intel processor offers 10 cores with 16 threads, while the AMD chip provides 4 cores with 8 threads. This 2.5x core advantage explains Intel's dominance in multithreaded workloads. However, the AMD chip compensates with higher base clocks: 3.60 GHz versus Intel's 1.80 GHz. Intel's boost clock reaches 5.00 GHz, exceeding AMD's 4.20 GHz maximum.

Cache hierarchies reflect the different core configurations. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD offers 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB of L3. The Intel chip's larger shared cache likely contributes to its strong multi-thread performance.

Memory support also differentiates these parts. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, delivering 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. AMD is limited to DDR4, also dual-channel, with 51.2 GB/s. Both processors support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity differs: Intel provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while AMD offers Gen 3 with the same lane count.

Integrated graphics separate the platforms as well. Intel includes UHD Graphics 730, while AMD pairs its chip with Radeon Vega 6. The AMD part draws 35 W of TDP against Intel's 45 W, a notable efficiency advantage given the performance parity in many tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmark tests?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE wins 11 of the 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE takes 6 wins.

Q: How large is Intel's multi-core advantage?

A: In Cinebench R23 multicore, Intel scores 11305 against AMD's 10846, a 4.2% lead. The same 4.2% margin appears in R15 and R20 multicore tests.

Q: Where does AMD show its biggest strength?

A: The AMD chip dominates PassMark single-thread testing with a score of 3089 versus Intel's 1734, a 43.9% advantage. This is the largest margin of any test.

Q: Do the processors have similar overall performance?

A: The average benchmark scores are close, with Intel at 17860 and AMD at 17482, a difference of roughly 2.2%. Both processors sit at the 71st percentile against all CPUs.

Q: What memory technologies do they support?

A: Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, while AMD supports only DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses and support ECC.

Q: How do their power draws compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE has a 35 W TDP, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has a 45 W TDP, giving AMD a 10 W power consumption advantage.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category. The Intel Core 5 221TE offers 10 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE provides 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks stand at 1.80 GHz for Intel and 3.60 GHz for AMD, while boost clocks reach 5.00 GHz and 4.20 GHz respectively.

Process technology separates the pair: Intel uses a 10 nm node from its own foundry, AMD uses 7 nm from TSMC. The AMD chip contains 10,700 million transistors on a 180 mm² die, while Intel's die measures 215 mm². Cache configurations differ substantially, with Intel providing 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3, against AMD's 64 KB L1, 512 KB L2, and 8 MB L3.

Memory support shows Intel ahead with DDR4 and DDR5 compatibility and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, versus AMD's DDR4-only support at 51.2 GB/s. PCIe generation differs, with Intel at Gen 5 and AMD at Gen 3, both with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics change by vendor: Intel's UHD Graphics 730 versus AMD's Radeon Vega 6. Power draw favors AMD at 35 W versus Intel's 45 W. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $232; AMD has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data supports choosing the Intel Core 5 221TE for most general-purpose desktop workloads. Its 4.2% lead across all Cinebench multicore tests, combined with a 77% advantage in physics and a 31.3% lead in floating point math, makes it the stronger choice for productivity and rendering tasks. The 90.3% margin in prime number finding underscores its raw computational power. Users who run parallel workloads will benefit from the 10-core, 16-thread configuration.

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE presents a compelling alternative for specific use cases. Its 43.9% single-thread advantage in PassMark testing indicates superior performance in lightly threaded applications. The 6.3% lead in data encryption and 6.9% lead in extended instructions suggest advantages in security and specialized compute tasks. The 35 W TDP also makes it a more efficient option for compact or thermally constrained systems.

For processors with a 71st percentile standing against all CPUs, the choice depends on workload priorities. The Intel chip's broader multi-thread dominance covers more use cases, while the AMD chip's focused strengths in single-thread and encryption tasks serve narrower niches. The Intel Core 5 221TE is the safer default recommendation based on the recorded data, with the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE reserved for users who specifically need its efficiency and particular workload advantages.