AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs Intel Core 5 120HL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and the Intel Core 5 120HL. The head-to-head benchmark field is empty, and neither processor records a win in direct comparison tests. This absence of comparative data means that any performance assessment must rely on the available individual benchmark scores for the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and the architectural and specification differences recorded for both processors.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has a full set of PassMark benchmark measurements. Its average benchmark score is 14,320, placing it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The processor achieves a single-thread score of 2,136, a multithread score of 7,071, and a physics score of 483. In integer math, it scores 26,321, while floating point math comes in at 12,707. Data compression scores 87,380, data encryption scores 5,580, and extended instructions score 3,274. The processor also records 10,414 for random string sorting and 21 for find prime numbers.

The Intel Core 5 120HL, by contrast, has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. Its average benchmark score is listed as 0, and its percentile versus all CPUs is 50. Without benchmark data, the database cannot provide a measured performance comparison between the two processors. The nearest rivals for the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U offer some context: the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 scores 14,336 (0.1% higher), the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C scores 14,277 (0.3% lower), the Intel Core 7 160UL scores 14,232 (0.6% lower), and the Intel Core i5-10400F scores 14,185 (1.0% lower). These deltas indicate that the Ryzen 5 3501U sits in a tight performance cluster, with all four rivals within a 1.1 percentage point band.

Because the Intel Core 5 120HL lacks any benchmark entries, the head-to-head section cannot report wins for either side. The data simply does not include measured comparisons. The only quantitative performance information available for the Intel part is its percentile ranking, which stands at 50, notably lower than the AMD part's 69. This percentile difference suggests that, based on the database's overall CPU distribution, the AMD processor is positioned higher relative to all CPUs, but this is not a direct benchmark score and should not be treated as a substitute for measured performance.

The Verdict

The recorded data does not support a definitive performance verdict between these two processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has extensive benchmark scores, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has none. For users who prioritize measured throughput in the database, the AMD part is the only one with verified numbers. Its average benchmark score of 14,320 and 69th percentile placement indicate it sits comfortably above the median CPU in the database.

However, the Intel Core 5 120HL presents a different profile in terms of raw specifications. It offers 12 cores and 16 threads versus the AMD part's 4 cores and 4 threads. Its base clock is 2.60 GHz and boost clock is 4.70 GHz, compared to 2.10 GHz and 3.70 GHz for the AMD part. The Intel processor also carries a 45 W TDP versus 15 W for the AMD part, meaning it is designed for a higher power envelope. The Intel part supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the AMD part supports DDR4 only. The Intel part uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD part uses PCIe Gen 3.

From a strictly data-driven perspective, the choice depends on whether the user requires verified benchmark results or specification-based capability. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is the only processor with measured scores, so it is the only one with database-confirmed performance. The Intel Core 5 120HL, with its higher core count, higher clocks, and larger cache, presents a specification sheet that suggests higher theoretical capability, but the absence of benchmark data means that cannot be confirmed from the database. The Intel part also has a launch MSRP of $279, which is recorded but not subject to further commentary.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 120HL have any benchmark scores in the database?

A: No. The benchmark array for the Intel Core 5 120HL is empty, and its average benchmark score is listed as 0.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has an average benchmark score of 14,320, placing it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 scores 14,336 (0.1% higher), the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C scores 14,277 (0.3% lower), the Intel Core 7 160UL scores 14,232 (0.6% lower), and the Intel Core i5-10400F scores 14,185 (1.0% lower).

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What is the clock speed range for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The Intel Core 5 120HL has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Q: Which memory types does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U supports DDR4 memory. The Intel Core 5 120HL supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every recorded specification field. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 2.10 GHz for the AMD part and 2.60 GHz for the Intel part. Boost clocks are 3.70 GHz and 4.70 GHz, respectively. The TDP values are 15 W for the AMD part and 45 W for the Intel part.

The AMD processor uses AMD Socket FP5, while the Intel processor uses Intel Socket 1700. The AMD part's process node is 12 nm, produced by GlobalFoundries, and its die size is 210 mm² with 4,940 million transistors. The Intel part's process node is 10 nm, produced by Intel, with no recorded transistor count or die size.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 120HL has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support shows the AMD part limited to DDR4, while the Intel part supports DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the AMD part has a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the Intel part has no memory bandwidth figure. Neither supports ECC memory.

PCIe support differs by generation: the AMD part uses Gen 3, while the Intel part uses Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ: the AMD part uses Radeon Vega 8, while the Intel part uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. The market segment is Mobile for the AMD part and Desktop for the Intel part. The AMD part has a release date of 2026-05-31, while the Intel part has a release date of 2024-04-07. The AMD part has no launch MSRP, while the Intel part has a launch MSRP of $279. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is built on the Zen+ architecture with the codename Picasso, belonging to the Ryzen 5 generation. Its process node is 12 nm, fabricated by GlobalFoundries, with 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. The cache hierarchy consists of 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3. The processor uses AMD Socket FP5 and supports PCIe Gen 3. Its integrated graphics are Radeon Vega 8. The market segment is Mobile, and the production status is Active.

The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on the Raptor Lake architecture, with the codename Raptor Lake-PS, belonging to the Core 5 generation. Its process node is 10 nm, fabricated by Intel, with no recorded transistor count or die size. The cache hierarchy consists of 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB shared L3. The processor uses Intel Socket 1700 and supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Its integrated graphics are Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. The market segment is Desktop, and the production status is Active. The Intel part also supports DDR5 memory in addition to DDR4, while the AMD part is limited to DDR4.

The architectural differences are pronounced. The AMD part uses a 12 nm process with a smaller die (210 mm²) and a higher transistor count (4,940 million) compared to the Intel part's 10 nm process with no recorded die or transistor data. The Intel part has a much larger L3 cache (18 MB shared versus 4 MB shared) and a larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 512 KB). The AMD part has a larger L1 cache per core (96 KB versus 80 KB). The Intel part also has a significantly higher core and thread count, which aligns with its higher TDP of 45 W versus 15 W.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U wins in every category where actual benchmark measurements exist, simply because the Intel Core 5 120HL has no benchmark scores. The AMD part delivers verified single-thread performance of 2,136 and multithread performance of 7,071, along with scores for integer math (26,321), floating point math (12,707), data compression (87,380), data encryption (5,580), extended instructions (3,274), random string sorting (10,414), physics (483), and find prime numbers (21). These scores place the AMD part in the 69th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 14,320.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U also wins on power efficiency. Its 15 W TDP is one-third of the Intel part's 45 W TDP, making it the more power-conscious choice for mobile applications. Its market segment is Mobile, while the Intel part is Desktop, so the AMD processor is positioned for low-power, portable systems. The AMD part also has a smaller process node advantage in terms of recorded transistors per die area, though the Intel part uses a smaller process node (10 nm versus 12 nm).

The Intel Core 5 120HL wins on raw specification counts. It has 12 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 4 threads, which suggests higher parallel throughput capability. Its boost clock of 4.70 GHz exceeds the AMD part's 3.70 GHz by a full gigahertz, and its base clock of 2.60 GHz is higher as well. The Intel part has a much larger L3 cache (18 MB versus 4 MB) and larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 512 KB). It supports DDR5 memory in addition to DDR4, and it uses PCIe Gen 4, which offers higher bandwidth than the AMD part's PCIe Gen 3. The Intel part also has a newer release date by about two years, though the AMD part's release date is recorded as 2026 while the Intel part is 2024.

In terms of use-case splits, the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is the only processor with confirmed benchmark performance, so it wins for any application where measured throughput matters. Its low TDP makes it suitable for power-constrained mobile devices. The Intel Core 5 120HL, with its higher core count, higher clocks, larger cache, and DDR5 support, appears better suited for desktop workloads that can leverage parallel processing and faster memory, but the database cannot confirm this with benchmark data. The Intel part's 45 W TDP and Desktop market segment further indicate a performance-oriented design, while the AMD part's 15 W TDP and Mobile segment indicate an efficiency-oriented design.