AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155U Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core Ultra 7 155U represent two very different design philosophies: a desktop-focused Zen 3 chip versus a mobile Meteor Lake processor. Benchmark results show the AMD part winning 11 of 15 head-to-head tests, while the Intel part takes 4, including the newer Cinebench R23 single-core test and floating-point math. The data also shows both CPUs sit at the 75th percentile of all processors, with average scores of 21771 and 21174 respectively.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X dominates the multi-threaded and integer-heavy workloads. In the PassMark find prime numbers test, it scores 134 against 65, a 106.2% advantage. Extended instructions show a 71.6% lead (16991 vs 9903). Data compression is 42.4% ahead (252306 vs 177122), and encryption 38.4% (15685 vs 11333). The multithread score is 33.4% higher (21858 vs 16382), and random string sorting 32.8% (26256 vs 19767). Integer math is 23.6% ahead (71161 vs 57564). In Cinebench, the AMD part leads R15 multicore by 24.2% (1968 vs 1585) and R23 multicore by 22.4% (11838 vs 9674.5). Physics is 21.4% higher (1316 vs 1084). Even in R15 single-core, AMD wins by 6.5% (254 vs 238.5).

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U takes the newer Cinebench R23 single-core test by 7.5% (1666 vs 1541). It also edges out the AMD part in PassMark floating-point math by 1.9% (40256 vs 39487) and in PassMark single-thread by 0.2% (3372 vs 3364, recorded twice). These four wins are narrow, but they show the Intel chip's strength in single-threaded and floating-point scenarios.

Architecture Differences

The two chips are built on the same 7 nm process, but AMD uses TSMC while Intel uses its own foundry. The AMD part has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel part has 12 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks are 3.70 GHz for AMD and 1700.00 MHz for Intel (though boost clocks are 4.60 and 4.80 GHz respectively). TDP differs dramatically: 65 W for AMD versus 15 W for Intel. The AMD chip uses Socket AM4, the Intel chip uses BGA 2049. Cache layouts differ: AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 32 MB L3; Intel has 112 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. Memory support: AMD uses DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, Intel uses DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s. ECC is supported on AMD but not Intel. PCIe lanes: 20 vs 12, both Gen 4. Integrated graphics: AMD has none, Intel has Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. AMD is a desktop part, Intel is mobile. Release dates: November 2020 vs December 2023. AMD has an unlocked multiplier, Intel does not. AMD lists 4,150 million transistors and a 74 mm² die; Intel does not provide those figures.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X wins all multi-threaded benchmarks in the head-to-head set. It leads Cinebench R23 multicore by 22.4% (11838 vs 9674.5) and PassMark multithread by 33.4% (21858 vs 16382).

Q: Which CPU has better single-thread performance?

A: Results are mixed. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U wins Cinebench R23 single-core by 7.5% (1666 vs 1541) and PassMark single-thread by 0.2% (3372 vs 3364). The AMD part wins Cinebench R15 single-core by 6.5% (254 vs 238.5).

Q: Does the Intel part have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U includes Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X has no integrated graphics.

Q: What are the memory support differences?

A: The AMD part supports DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel part supports DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. Both use dual-channel memory.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U has a boost clock of 4.80 GHz, compared to 4.60 GHz for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The AMD part has an average benchmark score of 21771, while the Intel part scores 21174. Both sit at the 75th percentile of all CPUs.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U |

|-------|--------------------|--------------------------|

| Cores | 6 | 12 |

| Threads | 12 | 14 |

| Base clock | 3.70 GHz | 1700.00 MHz |

| Boost clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel BGA 2049 |

| Architecture | Zen 3 | Meteor Lake |

| Codename | Vermeer | Meteor Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen 5 (Zen 3 (Vermeer)) | Ultra 7 (Meteor Lake) |

| Process node | 7 nm (TSMC) | 7 nm (Intel) |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 4,150 million | Not specified |

| Die size | 74 mm² | Not specified |

| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 512 KB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 32 MB | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4 | DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe lanes | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 12 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | None | Arc Xe-LPG 64EU |

| Market segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release date | 2020-11-04 | 2023-12-13 |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part number | 100-000000065 | SRN6B |

| Launch MSRP | $299 | $490 |

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X wins 11 of the 15 head-to-head tests. It is the clear choice for multi-threaded rendering, integer math, data compression, encryption, extended instruction sets, prime number finding, physics simulation, and random string sorting. It also wins Cinebench R15 single-core. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U wins 4 tests: Cinebench R23 single-core, floating-point math, and two identical PassMark single-thread tests. Beyond raw scores, the Intel part offers integrated graphics, a lower TDP, and a higher boost clock, making it suitable for mobile systems where power efficiency and on-chip display output are priorities. The AMD part, with its higher TDP and no integrated graphics, is designed for desktop builds with a discrete GPU.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the stronger performer in the majority of benchmarks, winning 11 of 15 head-to-head tests. Its average benchmark score is 21771 versus 21174 for the Intel part. The AMD chip leads in multi-threaded rendering, integer math, and data processing tasks. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, however, offers a higher boost clock, integrated graphics, and a much lower TDP (15 W vs 65 W), making it better suited for thin-and-light laptops where power efficiency and graphics output matter. The Intel part also wins the Cinebench R23 single-core test and floating-point math. For users building a desktop with a discrete GPU, the AMD part is the clear choice. For a mobile system requiring integrated graphics and low power, the Intel part is the appropriate pick. The data does not show a single winner across all criteria; the decision depends on the intended use case.