AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U Comparison

The Verdict

The data in the database presents an unusual comparison: the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has a complete set of benchmark scores, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U has no recorded benchmark results. Consequently, the Ryzen 5 3501U is the only processor in this pairing with measurable performance data. Its average benchmark score is 14320, placing it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs tracked in the database. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U sits at the 50th percentile with an average score of 0, which reflects the absence of recorded measurements rather than actual performance capability.

For workloads covered by the recorded benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 3501U delivers quantifiable results. Its nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 with an average score of 14336 and a delta of -0.1%, meaning the 3501U trails that part by 0.1%. It leads the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C by 0.3%, the Intel Core 7 160UL by 0.6%, and the Intel Core i5-10400F by 1%. These tight margins indicate that the 3501U's performance profile clusters closely with those competitors.

The Ryzen Embedded 8640U cannot be positioned against any rival because the database contains no benchmark entries and no nearest rival data for it. The processor's specifications, however, show a substantially different design: 6 cores, 12 threads, a base clock of 3.50 GHz, a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, and a 28 W TDP. The 3501U offers 4 cores, 4 threads, a 2.10 GHz base clock, a 3.70 GHz boost clock, and a 15 W TDP. From a pure specification standpoint, the 8640U holds the advantage in core count, thread count, clock speeds, and power envelope.

The verdict from the recorded data is straightforward. The Ryzen 5 3501U is the only option with measurable scores, so any workload that relies on the database's PassMark tests can be assessed for it directly. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U's specifications suggest a higher capability ceiling, but no benchmark evidence exists in the database to confirm that. Users who need verified numbers should rely on the 3501U. Those who require the architectural benefits of a newer node and higher core count must accept that the 8640U's performance is unverified in this database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and process nodes. The Ryzen 5 3501U uses the Picasso codename, built on the Zen+ architecture at a 12 nm process node from GlobalFoundries. It integrates 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U uses the Hawk Point codename, based on Zen 4 architecture at a 4 nm process node from TSMC. It integrates 25,000 million transistors on a 178 mm² die. The 8640U packs roughly five times the transistor count into a smaller physical die, which reflects the density advantage of the newer manufacturing process.

Cache organization differs significantly between the two. The 3501U provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The 8640U provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. Although the per-core L1 is smaller on the 8640U, its L2 is double per core and its L3 is four times larger in total. That larger shared cache pool can benefit multi-threaded workloads with shared data.

Memory support diverges by generation. The 3501U supports DDR4 memory on a dual-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth and no ECC support. The 8640U supports DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC support. The 8640U's memory bandwidth is more than double that of the 3501U. The ECC capability on the 8640U is notable for embedded use cases where data integrity matters.

PCI Express connectivity also differs. The 3501U uses PCIe Gen 3, while the 8640U uses PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe generation doubles the per-lane bandwidth, and the higher lane count on the 8640U provides more expansion headroom. Integrated graphics differ as well: the 3501U carries Radeon Vega 8, while the 8640U carries Radeon 760M. Both are mobile market segments, and both are currently marked as active production. The 8640U released on April 2, 2024, while the 3501U's release date is recorded as June 1, 2026.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U has 6 cores and 12 threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads. The 8640U doubles the thread count of the 3501U.

Q: Does the Ryzen 5 3501U have benchmark scores in the database?

A: Yes. The 3501U has a complete set of PassMark benchmark scores, including a multi-thread score of 7071, a single-thread score of 2136, and an average benchmark score of 14320. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U has no benchmark entries in the database.

Q: How does the Ryzen 5 3501U compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The 3501U trails the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 by 0.1%, and leads the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C by 0.3%, the Intel Core 7 160UL by 0.6%, and the Intel Core i5-10400F by 1%.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U supports DDR4 memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U supports DDR5 memory with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The 8640U also supports ECC memory, while the 3501U does not.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Ryzen Embedded 8640U uses a 4 nm process from TSMC. The Ryzen 5 3501U uses a 12 nm process from GlobalFoundries. The 8640U integrates 25,000 million transistors, while the 3501U integrates 4,940 million.

Q: Are both processors in the same market segment?

A: Yes, both are listed under the mobile market segment. Both are also marked as active in production status. The 3501U uses AMD Socket FP5, while the 8640U uses AMD Socket FP8.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification field. Core and thread counts lead the list: the 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the 8640U has 6 cores and 12 threads. Clock speeds differ substantially. The 3501U has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The 8640U has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz. The 8640U's boost clock is 1.20 GHz higher.

Thermal design power differs as well. The 3501U carries a 15 W TDP, while the 8640U carries a 28 W TDP. The socket changes from AMD Socket FP5 to AMD Socket FP8. The architecture moves from Zen+ (Picasso) to Zen 4 (Hawk Point). The process node drops from 12 nm to 4 nm, and the foundry changes from GlobalFoundries to TSMC. Transistor count rises from 4,940 million to 25,000 million, while die size falls from 210 mm² to 178 mm².

Cache configuration shifts across all levels. L1 cache per core drops from 96 KB to 64 KB. L2 cache per core rises from 512 KB to 1 MB. Shared L3 cache rises from 4 MB to 16 MB. Memory support moves from DDR4 to DDR5, bandwidth rises from 38.4 GB/s to 89.6 GB/s, and ECC support changes from false to true. PCIe generation moves from Gen 3 to Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only) on the 8640U. Integrated graphics change from Radeon Vega 8 to Radeon 760M. The release date shifts from June 1, 2026 for the 3501U to April 2, 2024 for the 8640U. The 3501U has a recorded part number of YM3501C4T4MFG, while the 8640U's part number is listed as unknown.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table in the database is empty, and the win counts for both processors are zero. No direct benchmark comparison exists between the Ryzen 5 3501U and the Ryzen Embedded 8640U. The 8640U has no recorded scores for any PassMark test, so a side-by-side numerical comparison is impossible from the available data.

What the data does offer is a full benchmark profile for the 3501U across eleven recorded tests. The multi-thread score is 7071, and the single-thread score is 2136. Integer math posts 26321, while floating point math posts 12707. Data compression scores 87380, and data encryption scores 5580. Extended instructions score 3274, and find prime numbers scores 21. Physics scores 483, and random string sorting scores 10414. The average benchmark score across these tests is 14320.

The 3501U's nearest rivals provide context for its standing. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 posts an average score of 14336, which is 0.1% higher than the 3501U. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320C posts 14277, which is 0.3% lower. The Intel Core 7 160UL posts 14232, which is 0.6% lower. The Intel Core i5-10400F posts 14185, which is 1% lower. These margins are small, indicating that the 3501U sits in a tightly grouped performance band.

The Ryzen Embedded 8640U has no nearest rivals listed and no average score. Its percentile ranking of 50 reflects the lack of benchmark data, not a measured performance level. The only quantitative statements possible for the 8640U come from its specification sheet: a base clock of 3.50 GHz, a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 28 W TDP. These figures exceed the 3501U's specifications, but no test data confirms how those specifications translate into benchmark performance.

The data therefore supports only one-sided analysis. The 3501U's scores can be interpreted against its four nearest rivals, and it holds a narrow edge over three of them while trailing the V2546 by a fraction of a percent. The 8640U's performance remains unmeasured, leaving its specification advantages as the only basis for comparison. The database records no wins for either processor in direct competition, and no head-to-head scores exist to rank one against the other.