AMD Ryzen 5 6600U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a clear split between two very different mobile processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V occupy distinct performance profiles, and the choice between them depends almost entirely on workload. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V wins 12 of the 15 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U takes only 3. That asymmetry is the headline. The Intel part is the default for users prioritizing raw speed in most modern applications, particularly those that scale with single-core performance or heavy floating-point math. The AMD part, however, retains a decisive edge in integer-heavy tasks and data compression, which suggests it remains relevant for specific professional or enthusiast use cases.

The overall average benchmark scores are close: the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U records an average benchmark score of 22897, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V sits at 21981. The AMD part also holds a slightly higher percentile ranking at 76 versus 75 for Intel. Yet these aggregate numbers mask the dramatic per-test swings. The Intel part's 41.5% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 34% lead in single-core are massive. Conversely, the AMD part's 58.7% advantage in PassMark integer math is equally striking. Neither chip is a universal winner; each has a home turf.

For a user who runs Cinebench, physics simulations, or floating-point workloads, the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is the clear pick from the data. For someone dealing with compression, encryption, or integer-heavy code, the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U shows a surprising level of competitiveness despite its older architecture. The Intel part's single-thread score of 3890 in PassMark versus 3132 for AMD reinforces its superiority in lightly threaded tasks. The verdict from the database is straightforward: Intel for speed, AMD for specific integer workloads, with the caveat that Intel's overall win count makes it the safer default.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is generational. The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U is built on the Zen 3+ architecture with the codename Rembrandt, fabricated on a 6 nm process by TSMC. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V uses the Lunar Lake architecture, also fabricated by TSMC, but on a much more advanced 3 nm node. This process advantage likely contributes to the Intel part's higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz versus 4.50 GHz for AMD, despite a lower base clock of 2.10 GHz versus 2.90 GHz.

Core configurations differ fundamentally. The AMD part has 6 cores and 12 threads, relying on simultaneous multithreading to handle concurrent workloads. The Intel part has 8 cores but only 8 threads, meaning it does not use multithreading. This explains why the Intel part can win multi-core tests despite having fewer threads: its individual cores are substantially more powerful. Cache hierarchies also diverge. AMD allocates 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel uses 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and only 8 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L2 on Intel suggests a design focused on feeding each core quickly, while AMD's larger shared L3 may help with data sharing across its 12 threads.

Memory support shows another split. AMD supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and a recorded bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. Intel's memory support is listed as unknown and dependent on the motherboard, with no bandwidth figure recorded. PCIe lanes also differ: AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while Intel offers Gen 5 with only 4 lanes (CPU only). This makes AMD the more capable platform for connecting multiple high-speed devices, despite Intel's newer PCIe generation. The integrated graphics differ as well: AMD uses Radeon 660M, while Intel uses Arc 130V. Both are mobile parts, both are actively produced, and both have locked multipliers. The Intel part has a recorded release date of 2024-09-23, while AMD's release date is not recorded in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V dominates in rendering and synthetic multi-core workloads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 15645 versus 9159.5 for AMD, a 41.5% advantage. This is the largest single win for Intel in the head-to-head data. The Intel part also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by a smaller 5.3% margin (1576 versus 1493). Single-core performance is similarly lopsided: Intel leads Cinebench R23 single-core by 34% (2208 versus 1456.5) and PassMark single-thread by 19.5% (3890 versus 3132). Floating-point math heavily favors Intel, with a 36.1% lead (53160 versus 33991). Physics simulation also goes to Intel, with a 46.6% advantage (1546 versus 825). Prime number finding is a landslide for Intel, 174 versus 51, a 70.7% difference. Extended instructions and encryption also favor Intel, by 13.1% and 2.2% respectively.

The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U wins three specific tests, and they are revealing. PassMark integer math is a decisive win for AMD, scoring 61723 versus 38889, a 58.7% advantage. This is the largest win for either side. Data compression also goes to AMD, with a 14.1% lead (201364 versus 176532). The third win is Cinebench R15 single-core, where AMD scores 233 versus 222, a 5% margin. This is a peculiar result given Intel's dominance in other single-core tests, but the data records it clearly. Random string sorting is nearly a tie, with Intel winning by just 1.6% (21585 versus 21241). PassMark multi-thread also goes to Intel, but by a modest 7.5% (18407 versus 17026).

The pattern suggests that AMD's architecture retains strength in integer operations and compression algorithms, likely due to its 12 threads and larger shared L3 cache. Intel's strengths lie in floating-point, physics, and single-core speed, which align with its newer process node and higher boost clock.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U has an average benchmark score of 22897, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has an average score of 21981. The AMD part is also ranked in the 76th percentile of all CPUs, versus the 75th percentile for Intel.

Q: How many more wins does the Intel part have in head-to-head tests?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V wins 12 of the 15 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U wins 3.

Q: What is the single largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in PassMark find prime numbers, where Intel scores 174 versus 51 for AMD, a 70.7% difference. The second largest is in PassMark integer math, where AMD leads by 58.7% (61723 versus 38889).

Q: Does the AMD part win any single-core test?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U wins Cinebench R15 single-core with a score of 233 versus 222 for Intel, a 5% margin. However, Intel wins Cinebench R23 single-core by 34% and PassMark single-thread by 19.5%.

Q: How do the two compare in memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and has a recorded bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has memory support listed as unknown and dependent on the motherboard, with no bandwidth figure recorded.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads. Despite having fewer threads, Intel wins most multi-core tests, including Cinebench R23 multi-core by 41.5%.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The single most dramatic result is Cinebench R23 multi-core. Intel scores 15645, AMD scores 9159.5, giving Intel a 41.5% lead. This is not a marginal difference; it is a generational gap. The same test in single-core shows Intel ahead by 34% (2208 versus 1456.5). These two results alone paint a picture of a much faster core design in the Intel part. Cinebench R15 multi-core is closer, with Intel winning by only 5.3% (1576 versus 1493), but this older test may not fully utilize the newer architecture's capabilities.

Floating-point math is another major Intel win. PassMark floating point math scores 53160 for Intel versus 33991 for AMD, a 36.1% difference. Physics simulation follows suit, with Intel at 1546 versus 825 for AMD, a 46.6% gap. Prime number finding is the most extreme: Intel scores 174, AMD scores 51, a 70.7% difference. These results indicate that Intel's cores are substantially better at complex mathematical operations.

The AMD wins are concentrated in integer-heavy tasks. PassMark integer math is a stunning reversal: AMD scores 61723, Intel scores 38889, a 58.7% advantage for AMD. Data compression also favors AMD, with a 14.1% lead (201364 versus 176532). The third AMD win, Cinebench R15 single-core, is narrow at 5% (233 versus 222), but it is notable because it contradicts the pattern of Intel dominance in single-core tests.

Some tests are nearly even. PassMark random string sorting shows Intel winning by just 1.6% (21585 versus 21241). PassMark data encryption is also close, with Intel ahead by only 2.2% (13072 versus 12783). PassMark multi-thread gives Intel a 7.5% win (18407 versus 17026), which is modest compared to the larger gaps elsewhere. Extended instructions favor Intel by 13.1% (15377 versus 13356). The overall picture is one of a chip that wins most battles, often by large margins, but loses the integer and compression war.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every recorded specification. The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U belongs to the 6000 series and uses the Zen 3+ architecture (Rembrandt). The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Lunar Lake architecture. Manufacturing nodes differ: AMD uses a 6 nm process, Intel uses a 3 nm process, both from TSMC. The AMD die size is recorded as 208 mm², while Intel's die size is not recorded.

Core and thread counts differ: AMD has 6 cores and 12 threads, Intel has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are 2.90 GHz for AMD and 2.10 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 4.50 GHz for AMD and 4.70 GHz for Intel. Thermal design power is close, with AMD at 15 W and Intel at 17 W. Sockets are different: AMD uses Socket FP7, Intel uses BGA 2833.

Cache configurations are distinct. AMD has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Memory support differs: AMD supports DDR5 with dual-channel and a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while Intel's support is listed as unknown and motherboard-dependent. PCIe capabilities differ: AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), Intel offers Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics are Radeon 660M for AMD and Arc 130V for Intel. Neither supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers. The Intel part has a recorded release date of 2024-09-23, while AMD's release date is not recorded. Part numbers also differ: AMD uses 100-000000536100-000000548, Intel uses SRPN5SRPN4.