AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is decisively one-sided. Across all 11 recorded PassMark tests, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V records a higher score, leaving the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U without a single head-to-head win. The most significant margin appears in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where Intel scores 166 against AMD's 21, a delta of -87.3 percent. This indicates a massive advantage in a workload that stresses raw integer iteration and branch prediction.

The passmark_extended_instructions test shows a similar pattern. Intel posts 14724, while AMD manages 3274, a delta of -77.8 percent. This test typically exercises SIMD-style instruction throughput, and the data suggests the Intel part handles these operations at nearly four and a half times the rate of the AMD chip. The passmark_floating_point_math test follows with Intel at 52270 versus AMD at 12707, a delta of -75.7 percent. Floating-point performance is often critical in scientific and rendering workloads, so this gap is substantial.

In passmark_multithread, Intel scores 17850 against AMD's 7071, a delta of -60.4 percent. This is a broad multi-core workload, and the Intel processor's 8 cores and 8 threads likely contribute to the advantage over AMD's 4 cores and 4 threads. The passmark_physics test shows Intel at 1449 and AMD at 483, a delta of -66.7 percent, reinforcing the multi-threaded performance gap in a physics simulation context.

Single-thread performance is also clearly in Intel's favor. The passmark_single_thread test records Intel at 3754 and AMD at 2136, a delta of -43.1 percent. The same delta appears in the duplicate passmark_singlethread entry. This is a notable margin for single-core responsiveness, affecting everyday application feel and lightly threaded tasks. The data confirms Intel's architecture delivers substantially higher per-core throughput.

The remaining tests show narrower but still consistent leads. In passmark_integer_math, Intel scores 38647 against AMD's 26321, a delta of -31.9 percent. This is the smallest percentage gap in the entire set, yet it still represents a clear advantage for Intel. The passmark_random_string_sorting test shows Intel at 20813 and AMD at 10414, a delta of -50 percent, exactly doubling the AMD result. In passmark_data_compression, Intel scores 170687 against AMD's 87380, a delta of -48.8 percent, nearly doubling the throughput. Finally, passmark_data_encryption shows Intel at 12710 and AMD at 5580, a delta of -56.1 percent, again a decisive margin.

The average benchmark score reflects this overall pattern. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V holds an average score of 19368, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U averages 14320. The delta between their average scores is approximately 35 percent in Intel's favor. The percentile rankings also differ: Intel sits at the 73rd percentile among all CPUs, while AMD sits at the 69th percentile. While both are above the median, Intel's placement is higher.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear performance hierarchy. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is the stronger processor in every measured benchmark category. For workloads that depend on multi-core parallelism, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or heavy compilation, the Intel part's 60.4 percent lead in passmark_multithread and 66.7 percent lead in passmark_physics make it the obvious choice based on raw scores. The Intel processor also delivers a 43.1 percent lead in single-thread performance, so tasks like web browsing, office productivity, and light scripting will feel noticeably more responsive.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, while slower across the board, still has a place. Its average score of 14320 places it near the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546, which scores 14336 with a delta of -0.1 percent, and the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C, which scores 14277 with a delta of 0.3 percent. The AMD part also sits close to the Intel Core 7 160UL, which scores 14232 with a delta of 0.6 percent, and the Intel Core i5-10400F, which scores 14185 with a delta of 1 percent. This positioning suggests the Ryzen 5 3501U is competitive within its immediate peer group, even if it is not competitive with the newer Intel part.

For the Intel side, the nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 7533HS with an average score of 19364 and a delta of 0 percent, the Intel Core i5-1345U with 19411 and a delta of -0.2 percent, the Intel Core i7-8700K with 19238 and a delta of 0.7 percent, and the Intel Core i7-10700F with 19499 and a delta of -0.7 percent. The Core Ultra 5 226V fits squarely in this performance band, indicating it trades blows with those established desktop and mobile parts.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing generations and design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U uses the Picasso codename, based on the Zen+ architecture, and is produced on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V uses the Lunar Lake codename and architecture, built on a 3 nm process at TSMC. This process node difference is significant, as the smaller node generally allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency.

The AMD chip integrates 4,940 million transistors on a die size of 210 mm². The Intel chip does not have recorded transistor count or die size data in the database. The core configurations differ sharply: AMD provides 4 cores and 4 threads, while Intel provides 8 cores and 8 threads. Both have the same base clock of 2.10 GHz, but Intel boosts to 4.50 GHz versus AMD's 3.70 GHz.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The AMD part offers 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part offers 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel's larger per-core L1 and L2 caches, plus double the shared L3, likely contribute to its benchmark dominance.

Memory support differs as well. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U supports DDR4 memory with dual-channel configuration and a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V lists memory support as dependent on the motherboard, with dual-channel configuration but no recorded bandwidth figure. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity is another differentiator. AMD provides PCIe Gen 3, while Intel provides PCIe Gen 5 with 4 lanes from the CPU. The Intel part's newer PCIe standard offers higher potential bandwidth for compatible devices.

Integrated graphics also differ. AMD uses the Radeon Vega 8, while Intel uses the Arc 130V. The database does not include separate graphics benchmarks for either, so the comparison here is limited to naming the integrated solutions.

Both processors are mobile segments, both are active in production, and both have locked multipliers. Their sockets differ: AMD uses Socket FP5, and Intel uses BGA 2833. The release dates are far apart, with AMD dated 2026-05-31 and Intel dated 2024-09-23, indicating the Intel part launched earlier despite being architecturally newer.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V has an average benchmark score of 19368, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has an average of 14320.

Q: How much faster is the Intel part in single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V scores 3754 in the passmark_single_thread test, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U scores 2136, resulting in a delta of -43.1 percent in Intel's favor.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Are there any benchmark tests where the AMD processor wins?

A: No. Across all 11 recorded head-to-head PassMark tests, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins every test.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is built on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is built on a 3 nm process at TSMC.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V boosts to 4.50 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U boosts to 3.70 GHz.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins in every recorded benchmark category. Its largest margins are in passmark_find_prime_numbers at -87.3 percent, passmark_extended_instructions at -77.8 percent, and passmark_floating_point_math at -75.7 percent. These results suggest Intel is particularly strong in mathematical computation, SIMD-heavy code, and floating-point workloads. The Intel part also shows a 60.4 percent lead in multithreaded performance and a 66.7 percent lead in physics, making it well-suited for parallel processing tasks.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has no benchmark wins in this comparison. However, its data still indicates usability in certain contexts. Its 4-core configuration and 15 W TDP, versus Intel's 17 W TDP, suggest a lower power envelope. The AMD part also uses DDR4 memory, which may simplify system design in some platforms. Its benchmark scores remain competitive with its nearest rivals, such as the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 and the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C, indicating it performs in line with its direct contemporaries.

For users prioritizing raw performance in multi-threaded or single-threaded workloads, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is clearly the stronger choice. For users with power constraints or existing DDR4 infrastructure, the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U could still be a viable option, despite its lower scores. The choice depends entirely on whether absolute performance or platform compatibility takes precedence.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U belongs to the 3000 series and uses the Picasso codename with Zen+ architecture. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Lunar Lake codename and architecture.

Core and thread counts differ: AMD has 4 cores and 4 threads, Intel has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are identical at 2.10 GHz, but boost clocks differ, with AMD at 3.70 GHz and Intel at 4.50 GHz. TDP ratings are close but not equal: AMD is 15 W, Intel is 17 W.

Process nodes differ significantly: AMD uses 12 nm at GlobalFoundries, Intel uses 3 nm at TSMC. AMD has a recorded transistor count of 4,940 million and a die size of 210 mm², while Intel has no recorded values for either. Cache configurations differ in all levels: AMD offers 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3; Intel offers 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Memory support differs: AMD specifies DDR4, Intel lists memory as motherboard-dependent. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but AMD records a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while Intel has no bandwidth figure. PCIe versions differ: AMD uses Gen 3, Intel uses Gen 5 with 4 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics differ: AMD uses Radeon Vega 8, Intel uses Arc 130V.

Sockets differ: AMD uses Socket FP5, Intel uses BGA 2833. Release dates differ, with AMD dated 2026-05-31 and Intel dated 2024-09-23. Both are mobile segments, active in production, have locked multipliers, and lack ECC support. Neither has a recorded launch MSRP.