AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 386H Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D records an average benchmark score of 44,573, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H averages 43,210. The AMD part sits about 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i9-13950X, while the Intel part trails the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 by 0.3% and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 by 0.5%.

Q: How do the two compare in single-thread performance?

A: In the PassMark single-thread test, the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H scores 4,218 versus 3,494 for the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D, a 17.2% advantage for Intel. The same gap appears in the passmark_singlethread test, with identical scores of 4,218 and 3,494.

Q: Which processor wins the multithreaded workload?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H wins PassMark multithread with 35,399 points against 25,047 for the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D, a 29.2% difference. Intel also leads in floating-point math by a much larger margin: 108,527 versus 43,594, a 59.8% gap.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration for each?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has 16 cores and 16 threads. Both are locked (multiplier unlocked is false for each), but the Intel part draws far less power: 25 W TDP versus 65 W TDP for AMD.

Q: Which chip has the larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D has 96 MB of shared L3 cache, far more than the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H's 18 MB shared L3. However, Intel's L1 and L2 caches are larger per core: 192 KB L1 and 2.5 MB L2 per core versus 64 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 per core for AMD.

Q: What is the release timeline and price information?

A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D launched on November 11, 2025, with a launch MSRP of $269. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H launched on January 4, 2026, with no launch MSRP recorded in the database.

The Verdict

The benchmark data paints a one-sided picture in head-to-head comparisons: the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H wins all 11 recorded head-to-head benchmark entries against the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D. Yet the overall average scores tell a subtler story, with AMD holding a slim 3.2% edge in average benchmark score (44,573 vs 43,210). This suggests the Intel chip dominates in the specific PassMark workloads measured, while the AMD chip benefits from a stronger overall profile across a wider range of tests.

For users prioritizing raw throughput in the measured PassMark suite, the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is the clear choice. Its 16 cores, higher boost clock of 4.90 GHz, and 3 nm process node deliver decisive wins in every single head-to-head test, from data compression (22.9% ahead) to floating-point math (59.8% ahead). The Intel part also posts better single-thread performance, which matters for everyday responsiveness and lightly threaded applications.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D, however, should not be dismissed. Its 96 MB L3 cache, 65 W TDP, and desktop Socket AM5 platform make it a compelling option for systems where cache-sensitive workloads and upgradeability matter. The data shows it holds a higher percentile ranking (89th versus 88th for Intel) and a better average benchmark score, meaning its overall placement among all CPUs is slightly stronger even though it loses every direct comparison in this matchup.

The verdict comes down to workload profile. If the PassMark tests reflect the user's actual applications, Intel wins outright. If the user values the overall average score, the desktop form factor, and the larger cache, AMD makes a stronger case. The Intel part is a mobile chip (Intel BGA 2540 socket) with a 25 W TDP, while AMD targets desktop builds with a 65 W TDP and DDR5 memory support.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show an unbroken sweep for the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H. The largest margin comes in floating-point math, where Intel scores 108,527 against AMD's 43,594, a 59.8% advantage. This is not a narrow edge; it is a dominant performance gap that indicates the Intel architecture handles floating-point calculations far more efficiently.

Data encryption follows a similar pattern: Intel scores 27,150 versus AMD's 15,797, a 41.8% lead. Extended instructions show Intel ahead by 29.8% (29,138 vs 20,455), and multithread performance is 29.2% higher for Intel (35,399 vs 25,047). Prime number finding gives Intel a 35.2% edge (341 vs 221), and random string sorting goes to Intel by 21.7% (42,135 vs 32,999).

The smallest gaps are still significant. In physics, Intel scores 3,028 versus AMD's 2,779, an 8.2% difference. Integer math shows Intel ahead by 18.9% (87,284 vs 70,774), and data compression by 22.9% (352,365 vs 271,649). Single-thread performance rounds out the sweep with Intel ahead by 17.2% (4,218 vs 3,494).

The pattern is consistent: Intel wins every test, often by wide margins, and the AMD chip never manages a single head-to-head victory. The closest contest is physics, where the two are nearly matched, but Intel still takes it. This suggests that the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has a structural advantage in compute-heavy workloads, likely stemming from its higher core count and faster boost clock.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ substantially on paper. The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D uses 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H uses 16 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks diverge sharply: AMD runs at 4.00 GHz, Intel at 2.10 GHz. Boost clocks reverse the order: AMD tops out at 4.50 GHz, Intel at 4.90 GHz.

Power envelopes are a major differentiator. AMD has a 65 W TDP, Intel a 25 W TDP. This means the Intel part is designed for mobile systems with far lower thermal requirements, while AMD targets desktop builds. The sockets reflect this: AMD uses Socket AM5, Intel uses BGA 2540.

Memory support differs as well. AMD supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and 83.2 GB/s bandwidth, plus ECC memory. Intel supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X, also dual-channel, but with higher bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s and no ECC support. PCIe lanes go to AMD with Gen 5, 24 lanes (CPU only), while Intel has Gen 5, 12 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics differ: AMD includes Radeon Graphics, Intel includes Intel Xe3 Graphics. Process nodes and foundries are not the same: AMD uses 5 nm at TSMC, Intel uses 3 nm at Intel. Transistor counts are recorded only for AMD at 11,270 million, with a die size of 71 mm²; Intel has no transistor count or die size listed.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split is clear. AMD's Ryzen 5 7500X3D belongs to the 7000 series, codenamed Raphael, built on Zen 4 (Raphael) architecture. It uses a 5 nm process from TSMC. The cache hierarchy is notable: 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 96 MB shared L3. That large L3 is the standout feature, likely aimed at cache-sensitive gaming and server workloads.

Intel's Core Ultra 9 386H is part of the Core Ultra Series 3, codenamed Panther Lake, using Panther Lake-H architecture. It is built on a 3 nm process at Intel's own foundry. Cache is configured differently: 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and only 18 MB shared L3. The per-core cache sizes are larger than AMD's, but the shared L3 is far smaller.

The market segments diverge: AMD is a Desktop processor, Intel is a Mobile processor. Release dates are close, with AMD launching November 11, 2025, and Intel on January 4, 2026. Both are active production parts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The architectural implications are visible in the benchmark data. Intel's higher core count and larger per-core caches drive its multithread and floating-point wins. AMD's massive L3 cache may explain its better overall average score, as it can keep more data closer to the cores in mixed workloads. The 3 nm node gives Intel a density and efficiency edge, reflected in its 25 W TDP despite having 16 cores.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H wins every recorded head-to-head benchmark, so its strengths are well-defined. It excels in floating-point math (59.8% ahead), data encryption (41.8% ahead), prime number finding (35.2% ahead), and extended instructions (29.8% ahead). These are compute-heavy, parallel workloads where the 16-core design shines. It also wins single-thread tests by 17.2%, meaning it handles everyday tasks and lightly threaded applications better.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D wins no head-to-head benchmarks in this dataset, but it does hold a higher average benchmark score (44,573 vs 43,210) and a better percentile ranking (89th vs 88th). This implies that outside the specific PassMark tests, the AMD chip performs better across a broader spectrum of workloads. Its 96 MB L3 cache and desktop platform likely contribute to this, as cache-heavy applications may benefit from the larger shared pool.

For users choosing between these two, the decision hinges on the workload. If the application resembles the PassMark suite, Intel is the obvious pick. If the workload is more diverse or cache-sensitive, AMD's higher average score and desktop socket make it a viable alternative. The Intel part also suits mobile systems with its 25 W TDP and BGA 2540 socket, while AMD targets desktop builds with 65 W TDP and Socket AM5. The data shows Intel dominating in direct comparison, but AMD holding its own in overall ranking, so there is no single winner across all contexts.