AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between these two processors is dominated by a single reality: the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a full suite of PassMark results. This means a direct score-for-score comparison is impossible. The Ryzen 7 170 delivers an average benchmark score of 43,689, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals, all within a narrow band, include the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 at 43,704 (a 0% delta), the AMD Ryzen 7 260 at 43,717 (0.1% higher), the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 at 43,431 (0.6% lower), and the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 at 43,326 (0.8% lower). These figures show the Ryzen 7 170 sits in a tightly contested performance tier, effectively matching its closest competition.

For the Ryzen 7 170, the individual PassMark results reveal a distinct performance profile. The multithread score is 20,760, while the single-thread score is 3,128. Integer math scores 79,738, floating point math scores 44,979, and extended instructions score 18,107. Data compression reaches 265,920, data encryption hits 16,078, and random string sorting finishes at 27,804. Physics processing scores 890, and finding prime numbers scores 49. These numbers represent the complete measurement set for the Ryzen 7 170. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has none of these scores recorded, so its performance cannot be quantified from the database. Its percentile ranking of 50 and average benchmark score of 0 reflect this absence of data, not a measured performance level.

The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and the win counts for both processors are zero. This is a case where the data simply does not support a numeric comparison. What can be stated is that the Ryzen 7 170 has a verified, measured performance footprint, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 does not yet have any recorded measurements in the database. Any conclusion about relative speed must defer to this fundamental gap.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and use different manufacturing processes. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 is built on the Zen 3+ architecture, codenamed Rembrandt-R, and uses a 6 nm process node from TSMC. Its die size is 210 mm². The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Gorgon Halo, and is manufactured on a 4 nm process node, also from TSMC. Its die size is listed as 2x 70.6 mm², indicating a chiplet-based design with two separate dies.

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads, a 50% increase in both core and thread counts. The cache hierarchy also differs significantly. The Ryzen 7 170 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache, four times the L3 capacity of the Ryzen 7 170.

Memory support and bandwidth show a clear generational split. The Ryzen 7 170 supports DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports LPDDR5X memory on a quad-channel bus with 273.1 GB/s of bandwidth, a 3.6x increase in theoretical memory bandwidth. Both processors support ECC memory. The PCIe configuration differs as well: the Ryzen 7 170 provides Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 provides Gen 4 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Ryzen 7 170 uses the Radeon 680M, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses the Radeon 8050S. Both processors are unlocked for multipliers? No, both have multiplier unlocked set to false. The sockets differ: the Ryzen 7 170 uses AMD Socket FP7, and the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses AMD Socket FP11. Both are mobile market segments and are in active production.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen 7 170 wins in every measurable category, simply because it has measurements and the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 does not. The Ryzen 7 170 demonstrates verified performance in multithreaded workloads, single-threaded tasks, integer and floating point math, data compression, encryption, and sorting. Its 88th percentile ranking confirms it sits above the majority of all CPUs in the database.

The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 cannot be assigned any benchmark win from the data. However, its architectural specifications suggest areas where it could plausibly dominate, though these are not measured outcomes. The 12-core, 24-thread configuration with 64 MB of L3 cache and 273.1 GB/s of memory bandwidth would likely favor heavily multithreaded applications and memory-bandwidth-sensitive workloads. The quad-channel LPDDR5X memory interface is a structural advantage for data movement. The 5.00 GHz boost clock, compared to 4.75 GHz for the Ryzen 7 170, could favor lightly threaded tasks. These are specification-based inferences, not benchmark results.

The Ryzen 7 170 has a 35 W TDP versus 55 W for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. This means the Ryzen 7 170 is designed for lower power envelopes, which can be advantageous in thermally constrained systems. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses more power, which typically allows higher sustained performance but requires more cooling.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every key specification field. The Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads; the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks are identical at 3.20 GHz for both. Boost clocks differ: 4.75 GHz for the Ryzen 7 170, 5.00 GHz for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. TDP is 35 W versus 55 W. The process node is 6 nm versus 4 nm. Die size is 210 mm² versus 2x 70.6 mm².

Cache configurations are entirely different. The Ryzen 7 170 uses 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses 80 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3. Memory support changes from DDR5 dual-channel with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth to LPDDR5X quad-channel with 273.1 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe lanes differ: 20 CPU lanes for the Ryzen 7 170, 16 CPU lanes for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. Integrated graphics change from Radeon 680M to Radeon 8050S. The socket is FP7 for the Ryzen 7 170 and FP11 for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. The part numbers are 100-000000989 and 100-000002141, respectively. Both support ECC memory, both are locked multipliers, and both are mobile processors in active production.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a boost clock of 4.75 GHz, and the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Both have a base clock of 3.20 GHz.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 16 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 64 MB of L3 cache.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 supports dual-channel DDR5 with 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports quad-channel LPDDR5X with 273.1 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has a TDP of 55 W, compared to 35 W for the AMD Ryzen 7 170.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 have any recorded benchmark scores?

A: No, the database contains no benchmark scores for the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a full set of PassMark scores, with an average benchmark score of 43,689 and an 88th percentile ranking.

The Verdict

The data presents an unusual split. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 is a fully measured processor. Its average benchmark score of 43,689, 88th percentile ranking, and complete PassMark suite make it a known quantity. It competes effectively with its nearest rivals, matching the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 within 0% and trailing the AMD Ryzen 7 260 by only 0.1%. Its 35 W TDP, 6 nm process, and dual-channel DDR5 support define a balanced, efficient mobile processor.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 is an unmeasured processor. With no benchmark scores, a 50th percentile ranking, and an average score of zero, it cannot be positioned relative to the Ryzen 7 170 in any performance sense. Its specifications, however, point to a higher-tier design: 12 cores, 24 threads, 64 MB of L3 cache, quad-channel LPDDR5X memory at 273.1 GB/s, and a 5.00 GHz boost clock. These are structural advantages for multithreaded and memory-intensive workloads. The 55 W TDP and 4 nm process node indicate a more power-hungry, higher-performance part.

For users selecting based on measured performance, the Ryzen 7 170 is the only choice with data to support it. For users selecting based on raw specifications, the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 offers more cores, more cache, more memory bandwidth, and a higher boost clock. The database cannot verify whether those specifications translate into benchmark wins. The verdict is straightforward: the Ryzen 7 170 has proven performance, the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has unproven potential.