AMD Ryzen 5 240 vs Intel Core i5-12600HX Comparison

The benchmark data presents a clear hierarchy: the Intel Core i5-12600HX is the dominant performer in most workloads, decisively outpacing the AMD Ryzen 5 240 in multi-threaded and single-threaded tests. However, the AMD chip secures a narrow victory in specific instruction-heavy tasks, offering a distinct advantage for particular use cases. The data shows a 0.5% difference in average benchmark scores (Ryzen 5 240: 33542 vs. i5-12600HX: 33375), but this aggregate figure masks the significant performance swings in individual tests.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core i5-12600HX scores 20714 against the AMD Ryzen 5 240's 13013. This represents a 37.2% lead for Intel, a massive gap that underscores the i5-12600HX's advantage in heavily threaded workloads. The single-core Cinebench R23 test tells a similar story, with Intel scoring 2924 versus AMD's 1742, a 40.4% difference. This is not a close contest; the Intel chip is categorically faster in rendering tasks.

The trend continues across most PassMark tests. In floating-point math, the i5-12600HX scores 58378, which is 22.4% higher than the Ryzen 5 240's 45301. The physics test shows a 29.5% advantage for Intel (1504 vs. 1060). Even in integer math, a workload often considered a stronghold for AMD's architecture, the Intel chip wins with a score of 79339 versus 73189, a 7.8% difference. In PassMark multithread, Intel leads with 24681 against 22658, an 8.2% edge, and in data compression, the i5-12600HX scores 292256, which is 8.3% higher than the Ryzen's 267963.

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 does secure wins, but they are fewer and smaller in magnitude. Its most significant victory is in PassMark extended instructions, where it scores 20201 against Intel's 17328, a 16.6% lead. This is a substantial win for AMD, indicating superior performance in specialized instruction sets like AVX-512. The Ryzen also edges out Intel in PassMark single-thread with a score of 3675 versus 3623, a 1.4% difference. The data shows AMD wins 3 of the 15 head-to-head benchmarks, while Intel wins 12, confirming the overall performance hierarchy.

Architecture Differences

The performance disparity is rooted in fundamentally different architectures. The AMD Ryzen 5 240 is built on the Zen 4 architecture, codenamed Hawk Point, and fabricated on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-12600HX uses the Alder Lake architecture, codenamed Alder Lake-HX, on Intel's 10 nm process. It is a hybrid design with 12 cores and 16 threads, combining performance and efficiency cores to manage workloads.

These architectural choices lead to different cache configurations. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a larger 18 MB of shared L3 cache. This larger cache pool on the Intel chip can contribute to its higher performance in cache-sensitive workloads. The Intel part also has a larger die size at 215 mm² compared to AMD's 178 mm², though the AMD chip integrates 25,000 million transistors.

The platforms also differ in connectivity. The AMD Ryzen 5 240 supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX supports the newer PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes. In terms of memory, the AMD chip supports only DDR5, while the Intel chip supports both DDR4 and DDR5. This gives the Intel platform more flexibility for system builders, though the AMD chip has a specified memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, a figure not listed for the Intel part. Both CPUs feature integrated graphics, with the AMD Radeon 760M in the Ryzen and the UHD Graphics 770 in the Intel.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-12600HX is the clear winner for multi-threaded productivity. Its 37.2% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 29.5% advantage in the physics test indicate it is the superior choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations. The data also shows it leads by 22.4% in floating-point math, which is critical for engineering and financial analysis software. For users running heavy parallel workloads, the i5-12600HX is the definitive pick.

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 wins decisively in PassMark extended instructions, with a 16.6% lead. This is the most notable single victory for AMD and suggests the chip is better optimized for specific instruction sets used in encryption, compression algorithms, and some forms of data processing. Its 1.4% lead in PassMark single-thread is negligible, but it does show the AMD chip is not entirely outclassed in lightly threaded tasks. For users running code that heavily utilizes extended instruction sets, the Ryzen 5 240 offers a real advantage.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specifications. The core count is a major difference: the AMD Ryzen 5 240 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads. Clock speeds also vary, with the AMD chip having a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel chip has a base of 2.50 GHz and a boost of 4.60 GHz. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) differs, with the AMD at 45 W and the Intel at 55 W.

The manufacturing process is another clear divider: AMD uses a 4 nm node from TSMC, while Intel uses a 10 nm node. The sockets are incompatible, with the AMD using "AMD Socket FP8" and the Intel using "Intel BGA 1964". The memory support also differs, as the AMD chip supports only DDR5, while the Intel chip supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Additionally, the Intel chip supports ECC memory, a feature not available on the AMD part. The PCIe generation differs as well, with AMD supporting Gen 4 and Intel supporting Gen 5.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX is significantly faster. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 20714, which is 37.2% higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 240's 13013.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 5 240 win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins 3 out of 15 head-to-head benchmarks. Its most significant win is in PassMark extended instructions, where it scores 20201, a 16.6% lead over the Intel chip's 17328. It also wins both PassMark single-thread tests with a score of 3675.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has a higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i5-12600HX's boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 5 240 supports only DDR5 memory, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each CPU?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has an average benchmark score of 33542, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has an average of 33375. The AMD chip is ranked in the 84th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel chip is in the 83rd percentile.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous for users who require maximum multi-threaded performance. The Intel Core i5-12600HX is the better choice for video editors, 3D artists, and data analysts who will see a 37.2% improvement in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance compared to the AMD Ryzen 5 240. Its consistent wins in physics, floating-point, and integer math make it the superior all-around workhorse for demanding applications.

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 is the pick for a niche but real use case. Its 16.6% lead in PassMark extended instructions makes it the better option for developers and researchers running code that leverages those specific instruction sets. Its smaller 45 W TDP also makes it a more power-efficient part for mobile systems where battery life is a priority, and its higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz gives it a slight edge in the single-thread PassMark test. Users fitting this profile should choose the AMD; everyone else should default to the Intel.