AMD Ryzen 5 240 vs Intel Core 5 330 Comparison

AMD Ryzen 5 240 vs Intel Core 5 330 is a matchup between two very different mobile processors. The AMD part is a 6-core, 12-thread Zen 4 design with a 45W TDP, while the Intel part is a 6-core, 6-thread Wildcat Lake chip with a 15W TDP. The benchmark data shows a clear split: AMD dominates most multi-threaded and memory-sensitive workloads, while Intel wins in several single-thread and efficiency-oriented tasks. The Ryzen 5 240 wins 9 of the 15 head-to-head benchmarks, but the Intel Core 5 330 takes the newer Cinebench 2024-style tests and a few specific PassMark subtests.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 is the clear winner in productivity and data-heavy workloads. Its biggest margins come in integer math, where it scores 73189 against Intel's 33258, a 120.1% lead. Data compression shows an 84.4% advantage (267963 vs 145287), and random string sorting is 82.2% ahead (32385 vs 17771). Extended instructions go to AMD by 57.7% (20201 vs 12808), and data encryption by 43.1% (15849 vs 11076). The Ryzen also wins Cinebench R15 multicore by 56.8% (2078 vs 1325) and singlecore by 45.2% (270 vs 186). In the PassMark multithread test, AMD leads by 46.5% (22658 vs 15471). These results indicate the Ryzen 5 240 is the processor for compilation, encryption, compression, and any workload that uses many threads.

The Intel Core 5 330 wins in single-thread performance in the newer benchmarks. It beats AMD in Cinebench R23 singlecore by 6.1% (1856 vs 1742) and in PassMark single-thread by 10.1% (4088 vs 3675). The Intel chip also wins Cinebench R23 multicore by 1% (13150 vs 13013), which is surprising given its lack of SMT. In PassMark physics, Intel leads by 11.7% (1201 vs 1060), and in find prime numbers, Intel is 38.6% ahead (114 vs 70). For lightly threaded tasks, integer-heavy single-core work, and physics simulations, the Core 5 330 is the better choice.

The overall average benchmark score heavily favors AMD: 33542 vs 18345. The Ryzen 5 240 sits at the 84th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 5 330 is at the 72nd percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different foundries and process nodes. AMD uses TSMC's 4 nm process for its Zen 4 architecture, codenamed Hawk Point, with 25,000 million transistors on a 178 mm² die. Intel uses its own 3 nm process for the Wildcat Lake architecture. The AMD part has 6 cores and 12 threads, while Intel has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading on the Intel side.

Cache configurations differ substantially. AMD allocates 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel lists 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The AMD L3 cache is nearly three times larger, which helps with the compression and encryption workloads where it excels.

Memory support also diverges. AMD supports DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth. Intel supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X but over a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s. That bandwidth gap explains why AMD wins so decisively in memory-sensitive benchmarks like data compression and random string sorting. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity differs: AMD provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while Intel provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics are present on both: AMD uses the Radeon 760M, Intel uses Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores.

Clock speeds are a major differentiator. AMD runs at 4.30 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost. Intel runs at 1.50 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. The AMD base clock is much higher, which helps sustained multi-core loads. The Intel boost clock is lower, but its single-thread results are still strong, likely due to architectural efficiency.

Power targets diverge sharply. AMD has a 45W TDP, Intel has a 15W TDP. This makes the Intel part far more suitable for fanless or passively cooled designs and very low-power laptops, while the AMD part requires more active cooling.

The release dates are different: AMD launched on 2025-01-05, Intel on 2026-04-15. Both are active production parts, and both have locked multipliers. AMD uses Socket FP8, Intel uses BGA 1516. The Intel Core 5 330 has a launch MSRP of $309.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the AMD Ryzen 5 240 is PassMark integer math. AMD scores 73189, Intel scores 33258, a 120.1% advantage. This is the kind of result that shows up in code compilation, scripting, and general office productivity. Data compression follows closely: AMD at 267963 vs Intel at 145287, an 84.4% lead. Random string sorting shows an 82.2% margin (32385 vs 17771). Extended instructions go to AMD by 57.7% (20201 vs 12808). Cinebench R15 multicore favors AMD by 56.8% (2078 vs 1325), and PassMark multithread by 46.5% (22658 vs 15471). Cinebench R15 singlecore also goes to AMD by 45.2% (270 vs 186). Data encryption is 43.1% in AMD's favor (15849 vs 11076). Floating point math is close, but AMD still wins by 3.2% (45301 vs 43885).

The Intel Core 5 330 wins the newer Cinebench R23 tests. In multicore, Intel scores 13150 vs AMD's 13013, a 1% margin. In singlecore, Intel leads by 6.1% (1856 vs 1742). PassMark single-thread shows Intel at 4088 vs 3675, a 10.1% lead. PassMark physics goes to Intel by 11.7% (1201 vs 1060). The largest Intel win is find prime numbers, where Intel scores 114 vs AMD's 70, a 38.6% advantage.

The pattern is consistent: AMD wins raw throughput and data movement, Intel wins in tests that favor high single-core efficiency and integer prime computation. The Cinebench R23 multicore result is notable because Intel wins despite having half the threads, which suggests the Wildcat Lake cores are significantly more efficient per thread in that specific workload.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has 12 threads from 6 cores. The Intel Core 5 330 has 6 threads from 6 cores. AMD's SMT gives it double the thread count.

Q: Why does AMD win data compression by so much?

A: AMD scores 267963 in PassMark data compression versus Intel's 145287, an 84.4% lead. This is likely due to AMD's dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth versus Intel's single-channel 59.7 GB/s, combined with AMD's 16 MB of L3 cache versus Intel's 6 MB.

Q: Does Intel win any multi-core test?

A: Yes. Intel wins Cinebench R23 multicore with a score of 13150 versus AMD's 13013, a 1% margin, despite having only 6 threads versus AMD's 12.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has a 45W TDP. The Intel Core 5 330 has a 15W TDP. Intel's chip is designed for much lower power envelopes.

Q: Which chip has better single-thread performance in the recorded data?

A: The Intel Core 5 330 wins PassMark single-thread (4088 vs 3675, 10.1% lead) and Cinebench R23 singlecore (1856 vs 1742, 6.1% lead). AMD wins Cinebench R15 singlecore (270 vs 186, 45.2% lead).

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has an average benchmark score of 33542. The Intel Core 5 330 has an average of 18345. AMD's average is roughly 83% higher.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 240 | Intel Core 5 330 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 6 |

| Threads | 12 | 6 |

| Base clock | 4.30 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP8 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Architecture | Zen 4 | null |

| Codename | Hawk Point | Wildcat Lake |

| Process node | 4 nm (TSMC) | 3 nm (Intel) |

| Transistors | 25,000 million | null |

| Die size | 178 mm² | null |

| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 192 KB |

| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB |

| L3 cache | 16 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory bus | Dual-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | Radeon 760M | Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) |

| Release date | 2025-01-05 | 2026-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | null | $309 |

| Part number | 100-000001727 | SAE3G |

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 is the processor for multi-threaded workloads. Its 12 threads, dual-channel memory, and 45W TDP deliver dominant results in integer math, compression, encryption, and extended instructions. The data shows a 120.1% lead in integer math and an 84.4% lead in data compression. For any task that scales with cores and memory bandwidth, the Ryzen 5 240 is the clear choice. Its average benchmark score of 33542 puts it at the 84th percentile, and its nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, both within 0.4% of its average score.

The Intel Core 5 330 is the processor for efficiency and single-thread responsiveness. Its 15W TDP and 3 nm process make it suitable for low-power laptops. It wins Cinebench R23 multicore and singlecore, PassMark single-thread, physics, and find prime numbers. The 38.6% win in find prime numbers and the 10.1% win in single-thread show that its individual cores are fast. The average score of 18345 places it at the 72nd percentile, with rivals like the Intel Core i3-14100 and Intel Core 3 305 within 0.2% of its score.

Users who need maximum throughput in the recorded tests should choose the AMD Ryzen 5 240. Users who prioritize low power consumption and get better results in the newer Cinebench and single-thread PassMark tests should choose the Intel Core 5 330. The two chips serve different segments: AMD for performance-class mobile systems, Intel for ultraportable and efficiency-focused designs. The benchmark data does not suggest a single winner across all categories, but it clearly defines which chip leads in each workload type.