AMD Ryzen 5 240 vs Intel Core i7-12800HX Comparison

The Intel Core i7-12800HX and AMD Ryzen 5 240 are both mobile processors aimed at high-performance laptops, but they approach the task from completely different design philosophies. The Intel part is a 16-core, 24-thread powerhouse built on a hybrid architecture, while the AMD chip is a more efficient 6-core, 12-thread design on a modern 4 nm process. The benchmark data shows a clear split: the Intel chip dominates multi-threaded workloads, while the AMD chip shows surprising strength in single-core performance and efficiency metrics. This analysis breaks down exactly where each processor excels and where the data suggests you should spend your money.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result in the data is the sheer scale of the Intel Core i7-12800HX's multi-core advantage. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel chip scores 22,456 versus the AMD Ryzen 5 240's 13,013, a massive 72.6% delta. This pattern repeats across nearly every heavily threaded test. In PassMark's floating-point math, the Intel chip scores 82,122 against the AMD's 45,301, an 81.3% lead. The physics test shows a 64.4% advantage for Intel (1,743 vs 1,060). These aren't incremental gains; they are generational leaps in raw compute throughput.

The single-core story is much closer. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 5 240 actually wins, scoring 270 versus the Intel's 260, a 3.7% edge. However, the Intel chip flips the script in Cinebench R23 single-core, winning 1,812 to 1,742 (4% delta). This inconsistency suggests the two architectures handle different instruction mixes differently. PassMark's single-thread test gives a narrow 1% win to Intel (3,711 vs 3,675). The takeaway: for lightly threaded tasks, the two are nearly indistinguishable, with the AMD chip winning the older R15 test and Intel winning the newer R23 test.

In memory-sensitive workloads, Intel's lead persists but narrows. PassMark data compression shows Intel at 387,535 versus AMD's 267,963, a 44.6% win. Data encryption is similarly one-sided: 21,972 for Intel versus 15,849 for AMD, a 38.6% delta. The integer math test delivers a 50.3% advantage to Intel (109,968 vs 73,189). Even in extended instructions, where the AMD Zen 4 architecture should shine, Intel wins by 17.6% (23,760 vs 20,201).

The closest contest outside of single-core is PassMark multi-thread, where Intel leads 31,585 to 22,658 (39.4%). This is notable because it shows that even in a test that doesn't scale perfectly with core count, the Intel chip's 16 cores and 24 threads overwhelm the AMD's 6 cores and 12 threads. The random string sorting test shows a 31.1% Intel advantage (42,453 vs 32,385), and the prime number finding test shows a 54.3% lead (108 vs 70). Of the 15 head-to-head benchmarks, Intel wins 14. The only AMD victory is the Cinebench R15 single-core test.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-12800HX has an average benchmark score of 33,875, while the AMD Ryzen 5 240 scores 33,542. Both sit at the 84th percentile among all CPUs, and the Intel chip's closest rival is the Intel Xeon 6353P (33,844, 0.1% delta), while the AMD chip's closest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (33,537, 0% delta).

Q: How does the core count differ between the two?

A: The Intel Core i7-12800HX has 16 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 5 240 has 6 cores and 12 threads. This 10-core and 12-thread difference is the primary driver of the Intel chip's dominant multi-core benchmark results.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core i7-12800HX's 4.80 GHz. However, the Intel chip has a higher base clock of 2,000 MHz versus the AMD's 4.30 GHz, indicating a different power delivery strategy.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-12800HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the AMD Ryzen 5 240 does not. This is a significant difference for enthusiasts looking to push performance beyond stock settings.

Q: What integrated graphics do they carry?

A: The Intel chip comes with UHD Graphics 770, while the AMD chip features the Radeon 760M. This distinction matters for laptops without a discrete GPU, as the AMD's Radeon 760M is generally more capable for gaming and media tasks.

Q: Which processor was released more recently?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 240 was released on 2025-01-05, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX was released on 2022-05-09. The AMD chip is a newer design by nearly three years.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-12800HX is the clear winner for any workload that can use more than a few cores. The data shows it dominates in video rendering (Cinebench R23 multi-core), scientific computing (floating-point math), and data processing (compression, encryption, integer math). If you are rendering 3D scenes, compiling code, or running virtual machines, the Intel chip is the obvious choice. Its 72.6% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is the largest single benchmark delta, making it a no-brainer for content creators who rely on CPU rendering.

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 wins only the Cinebench R15 single-core test, but its performance profile suggests it is the better choice for efficiency-focused users. With a 45 W TDP versus the Intel's 55 W, the AMD chip should generate less heat and consume less power in sustained workloads. The AMD chip's higher 5.00 GHz boost clock also gives it an edge in bursty single-threaded tasks, as evidenced by its R15 single-core win. For users who prioritize battery life and portability in a thin-and-light laptop, the AMD processor is the more sensible option.

For gaming, the picture is mixed. The AMD chip's Radeon 760M integrated graphics are a significant upgrade over Intel's UHD Graphics 770, making the AMD platform better for iGPU gaming. However, if you are pairing the CPU with a discrete GPU, the Intel chip's superior multi-core performance will not hurt, but its higher TDP could impact thermals in a slim chassis. The PassMark physics test, which often correlates with gaming performance, shows a 64.4% advantage for Intel, suggesting the Intel chip will drive higher frame rates in CPU-bound game scenarios.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge sharply on nearly every specification. The Intel Core i7-12800HX uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket, while the AMD Ryzen 5 240 uses the AMD Socket FP8. Memory support differs, with Intel supporting both DDR4 and DDR5, while AMD supports only DDR5. Both run dual-channel memory, but AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while Intel lists no specific bandwidth figure. The AMD chip's memory bandwidth number is notable, but the Intel chip's support for older DDR4 could make it cheaper to implement in a laptop.

The PCIe interface is another differentiator. Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). This gives the Intel chip a theoretical advantage for future NVMe storage and GPUs, but the practical impact is minimal in most laptops. The Intel chip has a launch MSRP of $457, while the AMD chip has no listed launch MSRP. The Intel chip is unlocked, while the AMD chip is locked. The Intel chip's part number is SRLGL, and the AMD chip's is 100-000001727.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two chips is fundamental. The Intel Core i7-12800HX is built on the Alder Lake-HX architecture using Intel's 10 nm process, fabricated by Intel. The AMD Ryzen 5 240 uses the Zen 4 architecture (Hawk Point codename) on a 4 nm process from TSMC. This process advantage is significant: the AMD chip packs 25,000 million transistors into a 178 mm² die, while the Intel chip's die size is 215 mm² with no transistor count listed. The smaller, denser AMD chip reflects TSMC's process leadership.

Cache configuration also differs. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 25 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip's larger L3 cache is a key reason for its multi-core dominance, as it can hold more working data for its 16 cores. The AMD chip's smaller cache is a consequence of its lower core count and focus on efficiency.

The Intel chip's hybrid architecture combines performance and efficiency cores, which allows it to achieve high multi-threaded scores while maintaining reasonable power draw. The AMD chip uses a homogeneous set of 6 Zen 4 cores, all capable of boosting to 5.00 GHz. The Intel chip's architecture is older (2022 release date versus 2025 for AMD), but its higher core count and larger cache compensate for the older process node.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i7-12800HX is the superior processor for multi-threaded performance. It wins 14 of 15 benchmarks, often by massive margins. If your work involves CPU-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or software compilation, the Intel chip is the clear choice. Its 72.6% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 81.3% lead in floating-point math are decisive. The Intel chip's unlocked multiplier is a bonus for enthusiasts, and its support for DDR4 memory could reduce system cost.

The AMD Ryzen 5 240 is the better choice for users who prioritize efficiency and integrated graphics. Its 45 W TDP, newer 4 nm process, and Radeon 760M iGPU make it ideal for thin-and-light laptops where battery life and portability matter more than raw compute. The AMD chip's single-core win in Cinebench R15 shows it can hold its own in everyday tasks, and its higher 5.00 GHz boost clock ensures snappy responsiveness. However, its 6-core/12-thread configuration is a severe limitation for any serious multi-threaded workload.

For gamers, the decision depends on the system configuration. With a discrete GPU, the Intel chip's superior physics and multi-core scores will deliver higher frame rates. Without a discrete GPU, the AMD chip's Radeon 760M provides a playable experience that Intel's UHD Graphics 770 cannot match. Ultimately, the Intel Core i7-12800HX is for power users who need maximum throughput, while the AMD Ryzen 5 240 is for mobile users who value efficiency and integrated graphics performance. Pick the Intel chip if you need the muscle; pick the AMD chip if you need the balance.