AMD Ryzen 7 160 vs Intel Core 9 273PTE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 9 273PTE dominates the head-to-head comparison, winning 7 of 11 recorded benchmarks, while the AMD Ryzen 7 160 secures 4 wins. The most decisive Intel victories come in compute-intensive workloads. In passmark_floating_point_math, the Intel scores 60,673 against AMD's 6,673, a delta of -89%, meaning Intel is roughly 9 times faster. Passmark_find_prime_numbers shows Intel at 142 versus 43 for AMD, a -69.7% delta, indicating a massive advantage in primality testing. Passmark_physics also heavily favors Intel at 1,917 versus 793, a -58.6% delta. The multithread score tells a similar story: Intel records 24,054 against AMD's 12,237, a -49.1% delta, showing Intel delivers nearly double the parallel throughput.

AMD's wins, while fewer, are still meaningful. The largest AMD victory is in passmark_data_encryption, where AMD scores 15,520 versus Intel's 14,253, an 8.9% advantage. AMD also edges out Intel in passmark_extended_instructions with 16,170 versus 15,952, a 1.4% margin. In passmark_single_thread, AMD leads by a razor-thin margin: 3,435 versus 3,433, a 0.1% delta. The two results are essentially tied in single-core performance, which is notable given the architectural differences.

The remaining Intel wins include passmark_data_compression (258,704 versus 242,634, -6.2%), passmark_random_string_sorting (28,973 versus 25,981, -10.3%), and passmark_integer_math (82,411 versus 81,370, -1.3%). These are moderate edges, but they reinforce Intel's overall strength in integer and data-handling workloads. The average benchmark score reflects this split: AMD's average is 37,117, while Intel's is 31,143, though that aggregate figure is skewed by the extreme floating-point disparity. Intel's percentile ranking sits at 82 versus AMD's 85, meaning AMD places higher among all CPUs in the database despite losing most direct comparisons.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 160 is the clear choice for encryption and cryptographic workloads. Its 8.9% lead in passmark_data_encryption suggests the Zen 3+ architecture includes efficient cryptographic instructions. It also wins in extended instructions by 1.4%, indicating slightly better support for specialized instruction sets. The single-thread tie (0.1% delta) means AMD does not lose any ground in lightly threaded tasks, making it competitive for everyday responsiveness.

The Intel Core 9 273PTE is overwhelmingly stronger in floating-point math, with an 89% advantage. This makes it the preferred processor for scientific computing, physics simulations, 3D rendering, and any workload that relies heavily on FPU performance. Its 69.7% lead in prime number finding suggests strong integer arithmetic in specific algorithmic patterns. The physics benchmark, which often correlates with gaming and simulation engines, shows Intel at 1,917 versus 793, a 58.6% advantage. For multithreaded rendering, video encoding, or compilation, Intel's 49.1% lead in the multithread score is decisive.

Intel also wins in data compression (6.2%), random string sorting (10.3%), and integer math (1.3%). These are typical server or database tasks where Intel's higher core count (12 versus 8) and larger cache pay off. The AMD chip counters in encryption and extended instructions, but those are narrow niches compared to the broad computational areas where Intel excels.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing and design philosophies. AMD uses a 6 nm process from TSMC, while Intel uses a 10 nm process from its own foundry. AMD's architecture is Zen 3+ with the codename Rembrandt-R, a refinement of the Zen 3 design. Intel's codename is Bartlett Lake, which belongs to the Core 9 generation.

Core counts differ substantially: AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel has 12 cores and 24 threads. That 50% core advantage is a primary driver of Intel's multithread dominance. Base clocks are lower on Intel (1.40 GHz versus 2.70 GHz), but Intel boosts to 5.50 GHz against AMD's 4.75 GHz, giving Intel a higher peak frequency. Thermal design power also differs: AMD is rated at 28 W, while Intel is rated at 45 W, reflecting Intel's higher power envelope for sustained performance.

Cache hierarchies are distinct. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 16 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, with 36 MB of shared L3. Intel's larger per-core L2 and more than double the L3 (36 MB versus 16 MB) help with data locality and reduce memory traffic. The L1 difference also favors Intel by 25% per core.

Memory support diverges: AMD supports only DDR5, while Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but Intel's memory bandwidth is higher at 89.6 GB/s versus AMD's 76.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity differs significantly: AMD provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while Intel provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Intel's PCIe Gen 5 doubles the per-lane bandwidth, though AMD offers more total lanes.

Integrated graphics also differ: AMD includes Radeon 680M, while Intel includes UHD Graphics 730. The market segments show AMD targeting mobile with Socket FP7, whereas Intel targets desktop with Socket 1700. Production status is active for both, but the release dates are different: AMD was released on 2025-09-30, while Intel followed on 2026-03-08. Intel carries a launch MSRP of $549; AMD has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous for most workloads: the Intel Core 9 273PTE is the faster processor. Its 49.1% multithread lead, 89% floating-point lead, and 58.6% physics lead make it the superior choice for compute-heavy tasks. The 12-core, 24-thread configuration, combined with a 5.50 GHz boost clock and 36 MB of L3 cache, delivers a level of parallel and scalar performance that the AMD Ryzen 7 160 cannot match. Intel's 82nd percentile versus AMD's 85th percentile is a statistical nuance, but the direct head-to-head results favor Intel in 7 of 11 tests.

The AMD Ryzen 7 160 should be selected only for specific niches. Its 8.9% encryption win and 1.4% extended instructions win are real advantages, but they are narrow. The single-thread tie means AMD does not lose in everyday tasks, and its 28 W TDP is considerably lower than Intel's 45 W, which would be relevant in power-constrained mobile environments. AMD's 6 nm process also suggests better efficiency per watt, though no direct power efficiency metric is recorded.

For users prioritizing raw computational performance, especially in floating-point, physics, or multithreaded applications, the data points directly to Intel. For users whose primary workload is encryption or who need the lowest power draw in a mobile form factor, AMD has a case. The database records Intel's launch MSRP at $549, which is the only pricing data available. No recommendation can be made on cost-effectiveness, as no other price data exists, but the performance delta in favor of Intel is substantial enough that the choice depends almost entirely on workload profile.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-thread score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 160 scores 3,435 in passmark_single_thread, while the Intel Core 9 273PTE scores 3,433. AMD leads by 0.1%, which is effectively a tie.

Q: How much faster is Intel in multithreaded performance?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PTE scores 24,054 in passmark_multithread versus AMD's 12,237, a delta of -49.1% from AMD's perspective, meaning Intel is roughly twice as fast.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in passmark_floating_point_math, where Intel scores 60,673 and AMD scores 6,673. This is a -89% delta, making Intel about nine times faster.

Q: Does AMD win any benchmark by a significant margin?

A: AMD's only substantial win is in passmark_data_encryption, where it scores 15,520 versus Intel's 14,253, an 8.9% advantage. All other AMD wins are below 1.5%.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each?

A: AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: Which processor supports PCIe Gen 5?

A: Only the Intel Core 9 273PTE supports PCIe Gen 5, with 16 lanes (CPU only). AMD supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 7 160 | Intel Core 9 273PTE |

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

| Cores | 8 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 1.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.75 GHz | 5.50 GHz |

| TDP | 28 W | 45 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP7 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 3+ | Not recorded |

| Codename | Rembrandt-R | Bartlett Lake |

| Process Node | 6 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die Size | 210 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache (per core) | 64 KB | 80 KB |

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

| L3 Cache (shared) | 16 MB | 36 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 680M | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2025-09-30 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $549 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |