AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 228V Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data presents a clear and consistent picture: the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V wins all 11 head-to-head comparisons against the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U. The database shows no benchmark category where the AMD part takes a lead, which makes this a unilateral performance gap rather than a tradeoff between different strengths.

The largest single advantage for the Intel chip appears in the passmark extended instructions test. Intel scores 14801 against AMD's 3274, a delta of 77.9 percent. This measures the processor's ability to handle specialized instruction sets, and the gap indicates the Lunar Lake architecture carries substantially more capable execution resources for these workloads.

Floating point math follows a similar pattern. The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V records 53310 points, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U manages 12707 points. That 76.2 percent difference shows a major disparity in raw mathematical throughput, which typically matters for scientific calculations, rendering, and simulation tasks.

Prime number finding shows the most extreme relative gap. Intel's score of 168 dwarfs AMD's 21, a delta of 87.5 percent. This particular workload stresses integer division and branch prediction, and the results suggest the newer Intel core design handles this pattern far more efficiently.

The physics benchmark also skews heavily toward Intel. The Core Ultra 5 228V posts 1538 points versus 483 points for the Ryzen 5 3501U, a 68.6 percent deficit for AMD. Physics simulations often rely on both single-thread responsiveness and memory latency, both of which appear stronger on the Intel side.

Data compression and encryption show narrower but still decisive margins. Intel leads compression with 173924 points against 87380 points, a 49.8 percent difference. Encryption sees Intel at 13032 points versus AMD's 5580 points, a 57.2 percent gap. These workloads depend heavily on the processor's ability to move data quickly through its cache hierarchy and execute tight loops.

Random string sorting gives Intel a 51 percent advantage, with 21254 points versus 10414 points. Multithreaded performance shows a 61.2 percent lead for Intel, which records 18227 points against AMD's 7071 points. This is notable because the AMD chip has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel chip has 8 cores and 8 threads, but the per-thread efficiency also matters.

The single-thread tests illustrate the per-core difference. Intel scores 3836 points in passmark single thread, while AMD scores 2136 points, a 44.3 percent gap. This is a substantial single-core advantage, not just a core count advantage.

Integer math is the closest head-to-head result. Intel scores 39679 points versus AMD's 26321 points, a 33.7 percent lead. Even in its best relative category, the AMD processor still trails by roughly a third.

Where Each One Wins

Given the data, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V wins in every measurable category. There is no workload in the recorded benchmarks where the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U comes out ahead. The database shows winsA as 0 and winsB as 11, confirming the sweep.

For users prioritizing single-thread responsiveness, the Intel chip delivers a 44.3 percent higher single-thread score. This translates to snappier application launches, faster spreadsheet recalculations, and more responsive general desktop use.

For heavily parallel workloads, the Intel chip's multithread score of 18227 versus 7071 shows a 61.2 percent advantage. The 8-core, 8-thread configuration naturally handles more concurrent threads than the 4-core, 4-thread AMD part.

The specialized instruction and floating point categories strongly favor Intel. Extended instructions show a 77.9 percent gap, and floating point math shows a 76.2 percent gap. These are the categories that matter for video encoding, 3D rendering, and scientific computation.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U does not win any category, but its data still indicates a functional processor for basic tasks. Its 2136 single-thread score and 7071 multithread score place it well below the Intel part but within range of other mobile processors in the database. The AMD chip's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546, averages 14336 points, just 0.1 percent above the Ryzen 5 3501U's 14320 average. This confirms the AMD part sits at a specific performance tier, and the Intel chip sits much higher.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V in multithreaded workloads?

A: The Intel chip scores 18227 points in passmark multithread, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U scores 7071 points. That is a 61.2 percent advantage for Intel.

Q: Does the AMD chip win any benchmark comparison?

A: No. The database records 11 head-to-head comparisons, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V wins all 11. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U does not win a single recorded test.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: Intel scores 3836 points in passmark single thread, and AMD scores 2136 points. Intel leads by 44.3 percent.

Q: Which chip has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V has 8 cores and 8 threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: How do the two processors compare in data encryption?

A: Intel scores 13032 points in passmark data encryption, while AMD scores 5580 points. Intel leads by 57.2 percent.

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

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V averages 21440 points, and the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U averages 14320 points. Intel sits in the 75th percentile of all CPUs, while AMD sits in the 69th percentile.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specifications. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U uses 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V uses 8 cores and 8 threads. Both have a base clock of 2.10 GHz, but the Intel chip boosts to 4.50 GHz, while the AMD chip boosts to 3.70 GHz.

Thermal design power differs slightly. The AMD part carries a 15 watt TDP, and the Intel part carries a 17 watt TDP. Both are mobile processors, but they use different sockets: the AMD chip uses AMD Socket FP5, and the Intel chip uses Intel BGA 2833.

Cache configurations show significant differences. The AMD chip has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Memory support differs as well. The AMD chip supports DDR4 memory with dual-channel access and a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel chip's memory support is listed as dependent on the motherboard, with dual-channel access but no recorded bandwidth figure. PCIe generation differs: the AMD chip uses PCIe Gen 3, while the Intel chip uses PCIe Gen 5 with 4 lanes for the CPU.

The integrated graphics differ. AMD pairs the Ryzen 5 3501U with Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while Intel pairs the Core Ultra 5 228V with Arc 130V graphics. Both chips have locked multipliers, so neither supports unlocked overclocking.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U comes from the 3000 series and uses the Picasso codename, built on the Zen+ architecture. It is manufactured on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries, with 4,940 million transistors and a die size of 210 mm².

The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Lunar Lake architecture. It is manufactured on a 3 nm process by TSMC. The database does not list transistor count or die size for the Intel chip.

The generation labels confirm the timeline difference. AMD lists the Ryzen 5 3501U as Ryzen 5 with Zen+ (Picasso) generation, while Intel lists the Core Ultra 5 228V as Ultra 5 with Lunar Lake generation. The release dates in the database show the AMD chip with a 2026 date and the Intel chip with a 2024 date, although these dates should be read as recorded data rather than market analysis.

Cache architecture differs in both size and organization. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with a 4 MB shared L3 pool. Intel provides double the L1 at 192 KB per core, significantly more L2 at 2.5 MB per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L2 cache on Intel helps explain its strong single-thread and instruction-heavy benchmark results.

Neither chip supports ECC memory. Both are listed as active production mobile processors.

The Verdict

The benchmark data directs a straightforward choice. The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V outperforms the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U in every recorded test. The average benchmark score for Intel is 21440 points, which is 49.7 percent higher than AMD's 14320 points (calculated from the two averages). Intel's 75th percentile ranking versus AMD's 69th percentile ranking reinforces this position.

Users who need maximum performance in data compression, encryption, floating point math, integer math, multithreaded workloads, physics simulation, random string sorting, or single-thread responsiveness should select the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V. The 8-core, 8-thread configuration with a 4.50 GHz boost clock and 8 MB of L3 cache provides the hardware foundation for these results.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U remains a functional mobile processor for basic computing tasks. Its 4-core, 4-thread configuration with a 3.70 GHz boost clock and 4 MB of L3 cache places it in the lower performance tier. The database shows its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 at 14336 points, the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C at 14277 points, the Intel Core 7 160UL at 14232 points, and the Intel Core i5-10400F at 14185 points. All of these fall within 1 percent of the AMD part's average score.

The Core Ultra 5 228V's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 at 21484 points, the Intel Core i9-11900H at 21367 points, the Intel Xeon D-1746TER at 21635 points, and the AMD EPYC 9454 at 21223 points. These comparisons show the Intel chip competing with desktop processors from previous generations, which contextualizes its mobile-class performance advantage.

For any workload covered in the database, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V delivers higher throughput. The data does not support any scenario where the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U would be the preferred choice based on performance benchmarks. The choice comes down to whether the system requires the AMD socket, the lower 15 watt TDP, or the specific Picasso platform features. On pure measured performance, Intel wins every category.