AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA Comparison

FAQ

Q: How do the core and thread counts differ between the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has 14 cores and 14 threads. This gives the Intel processor a substantial advantage in thread count for parallel workloads.

Q: What is the release timeline for these two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA was released on July 28, 2025, and the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U was released on May 31, 2026. The AMD part launched later, though both are listed as Active in production status.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, compared to the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U's boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The base clocks are closer, at 2.20 GHz for Intel and 2.10 GHz for AMD.

Q: What are the process nodes for these CPUs?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is built on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA uses a 3 nm process from TSMC. The Intel chip also has a larger transistor count at 17,800 million versus 4,940 million for AMD.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No, neither the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U nor the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA supports ECC memory, according to the recorded data.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has an average benchmark score of 14,320 and sits in the 69th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has an average benchmark score of 0 in the database, with no recorded benchmarks, and sits in the 50th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies and generations. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is part of the Ryzen 5 (Zen+ (Picasso)) generation, based on the Picasso codename. It uses a 12 nm process node manufactured by GlobalFoundries, with 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2, uses the Arrow Lake architecture (Arrow Lake-S codename), and is fabricated on a 3 nm process by TSMC with 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die. This represents a generational jump in manufacturing density, with the Intel chip packing over three times the transistor count.

The cache hierarchy differs substantially. The AMD processor has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part therefore has a six-fold advantage in shared L3 cache capacity and six times the per-core L2, which can significantly help with data-heavy workloads.

The integrated graphics differ as well. AMD uses Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while Intel uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU. Memory support diverges with the AMD chip supporting DDR4 and the Intel chip supporting DDR5, with dual-channel memory buses on both. Memory bandwidth reflects this: AMD measures 38.4 GB/s while Intel measures 102.4 GB/s, a 2.67 times advantage for the Intel processor.

The market segments and sockets also differ. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is a Mobile processor using AMD Socket FP5, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA is a Desktop processor using Intel Socket 1851. Power envelopes differ with the AMD chip rated at 15 W TDP versus the Intel chip at 65 W TDP. PCIe support is Gen 3 on AMD and Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only) on Intel, the latter representing a major interface upgrade.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U wins in the database's actual benchmark measurements. Its recorded PassMark scores span eight test categories, and it holds a 69th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 14,320. It also shows competitive standing against its nearest rivals, sitting within 1% of the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 (14,336), AMD Ryzen 3 7320C (14,277), Intel Core 7 160UL (14,232), and Intel Core i5-10400F (14,185). This makes it a proven performer in mobile contexts, where its 15 W TDP and compact 210 mm² die enable deployment in thin-and-light systems.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA wins on raw architectural specifications. It offers 14 cores versus 4, a 5.00 GHz boost clock versus 3.70 GHz, 24 MB of L3 cache versus 4 MB, DDR5 memory support with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth versus DDR4 at 38.4 GB/s, and PCIe Gen 5 versus Gen 3. Its 3 nm process node and 17,800 million transistors indicate a much more modern and dense design, and its 65 W TDP in a desktop socket allows for sustained high-power operation. The Intel part also has a recorded launch MSRP of $269, though the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

However, the Intel processor has no benchmark results in the database. Its average benchmark score is 0, and it has no nearest rivals listed. This means all of its wins in this comparison are specification-based, not measurement-based.

Specification Differences

Cores and Threads: AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads. Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Clock Speeds: AMD base clock is 2.10 GHz, boost clock is 3.70 GHz. Intel base clock is 2.20 GHz, boost clock is 5.00 GHz.

TDP: AMD is rated at 15 W. Intel is rated at 65 W.

Socket: AMD uses AMD Socket FP5. Intel uses Intel Socket 1851.

Process Node and Foundry: AMD uses 12 nm from GlobalFoundries. Intel uses 3 nm from TSMC.

Transistor Count and Die Size: AMD has 4,940 million transistors on 210 mm². Intel has 17,800 million transistors on 243 mm².

Cache: AMD has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, 4 MB shared L3. Intel has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, 24 MB shared L3.

Memory Support: AMD supports DDR4. Intel supports DDR5.

Memory Bandwidth: AMD measures 38.4 GB/s. Intel measures 102.4 GB/s.

PCIe Support: AMD uses Gen 3. Intel uses Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated Graphics: AMD uses Radeon Vega 8. Intel uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU.

Market Segment: AMD is Mobile. Intel is Desktop.

Release Date: AMD released on May 31, 2026. Intel released on July 28, 2025.

Launch MSRP: AMD has none recorded. Intel has a launch MSRP of $269.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark entries between these two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has an empty benchmarks array and an average benchmark score of 0, which prevents any direct measurement-based comparison.

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, by contrast, has a full set of PassMark results. Its scores include 87,380 in data compression, 5,580 in data encryption, 3,274 in extended instructions, 21 in find prime numbers, 12,707 in floating point math, 26,321 in integer math, 7,071 in multithread, 483 in physics, 10,414 in random string sorting, and 2,136 in single-thread tests. These results place it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs.

The nearest rival data for the AMD chip provides context for its position. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 scores 14,336 on average, which is 0.1% lower than the Ryzen 5 3501U's 14,320, meaning the two chips are effectively tied. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320C scores 14,277, or 0.3% lower. The Intel Core 7 160UL scores 14,232, or 0.6% lower. The Intel Core i5-10400F scores 14,185, or 1% lower. The Ryzen 5 3501U therefore leads all four of these comparable processors, though the margins are tight, ranging from 0.1% to 1%.

Because the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has no recorded scores, the only way to assess it is through its architectural specifications. The 14-core configuration with a 5.00 GHz boost clock and 24 MB of L3 cache suggests high multi-threaded and single-threaded capability on paper, but the database provides no measurements to confirm this. The AMD chip's recorded results show a functioning, competitive mobile processor, while the Intel chip remains an unmeasured entity in the benchmark data.

The Verdict

The data presents an unusual split. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is a measured performer with a complete set of benchmark scores, a 69th percentile ranking, and an average score of 14,320 that places it within 1% of four comparable processors. It delivers proven results in data compression, integer math, floating point math, and single-threaded tasks, all within a 15 W mobile envelope. For anyone relying on recorded benchmark data, the AMD chip is the only option with demonstrated performance.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA offers superior specifications across nearly every architectural dimension: 14 cores versus 4, a 5.00 GHz boost clock versus 3.70 GHz, 24 MB of L3 cache versus 4 MB, DDR5 with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth versus DDR4 at 38.4 GB/s, PCIe Gen 5 versus Gen 3, and a 3 nm process versus 12 nm. These specifications indicate a newer, denser, and potentially faster design, but none of that potential is confirmed by benchmark measurements in the database, as its average benchmark score is 0.

The market segment split is also significant. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is a mobile processor, designed for low-power systems with its 15 W TDP and FP5 socket. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA is a desktop processor with a 65 W TDP and Socket 1851, aimed at higher-performance desktop builds. The Intel chip also has a recorded launch MSRP of $269.

For mobile users who need a processor with confirmed benchmark results, the Ryzen 5 3501U is the choice supported by data. For desktop users prioritizing architectural headroom, newer memory and PCIe standards, and a higher core count, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA presents the stronger specification sheet, though its lack of measured scores means its actual performance remains unverified in the database. The verdict depends on whether the user values measured results or architectural potential, as the two processors occupy different segments and offer different types of evidence for their capabilities.