AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Intel Core i9-13950HX Comparison

The Intel Core i9-13950HX and AMD Ryzen 7 170 represent two distinct philosophies in mobile computing: one is a high-core-count powerhouse, the other a more efficient 8-core part. Benchmark data shows a complete sweep for the Intel processor, but the margins reveal a nuanced story about what each chip prioritizes. The i9-13950HX leads in every single head-to-head test, with victory margins ranging from a modest 24.6% to a staggering 314.3%. This is not a close contest, but the specific deltas highlight where the architectural gap is widest and where the Ryzen 7 manages to stay competitive.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most lopsided result appears in the `passmark_find_prime_numbers` test, where the Intel chip scores 203 against the AMD's 49, a 314.3% advantage. This test is heavily dependent on raw integer throughput and core count, and the i9-13950HX's 24 cores simply overwhelm the Ryzen 7 170's 8 cores. Similarly, the `passmark_physics` test shows a 199.8% delta, with Intel scoring 2668 versus 890. This suggests the i9's thread-scheduling and cache hierarchy provide a massive advantage in simulation-style workloads.

The gap narrows considerably in single-threaded performance. The `passmark_single_thread` and `passmark_singlethread` results are identical for both chips (3899 vs 3128), giving Intel a 24.6% lead. While still significant, this is the smallest margin of any test. It indicates that while the i9-13950HX has a higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz compared to the Ryzen's 4.75 GHz, the Zen 3+ architecture does not fall as far behind when only one core is active. In floating-point math, the Intel processor scores 105553 versus 44979, a 134.7% win, showing it handles scientific and 3D-rendering calculations at more than double the speed.

The `passmark_multithread` benchmark, a general proxy for all-core workloads, shows Intel at 41614 and AMD at 20760, a 100.5% lead. This perfectly mirrors the core and thread counts: 24 cores/32 threads versus 8 cores/16 threads. Data compression and encryption tests show similar trends, with Intel winning by 91.9% and 91.6%, respectively. The `passmark_extended_instructions` test, which uses advanced CPU instructions like AVX, shows a 64.5% advantage for Intel, while `passmark_integer_math` and `passmark_random_string_sorting` show 84.5% and 106% leads. Across all 11 head-to-head tests, the Intel Core i9-13950HX wins every single one.

Where Each One Wins

Looking purely at the win column, the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has no victories. However, the data implies it is not without purpose. The Ryzen 7 170's largest deficit is in multi-threaded tests, where the Intel's core advantage is insurmountable. Yet, in single-threaded performance, the margin is just 24.6%, which is far less punishing. This means for lightly-threaded tasks like everyday application responsiveness or older games that rely on a few fast cores, the Ryzen 7 170 would deliver a comparatively closer experience, despite the lower raw score.

The Intel i9-13950HX is the clear winner for any workload that can scale across many cores. This includes video encoding, 3D scene rendering, software compilation, and scientific simulations. Its 100.5% lead in multithread and 134.7% lead in floating-point math are decisive. For single-threaded tasks, the i9 still wins, but the smaller delta suggests the Ryzen's architecture is more efficient per core. The AMD's 35W TDP, versus Intel's 55W, also suggests it generates less heat and may sustain its boost clocks for longer in a thin chassis, even if it finishes tasks slower.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core i9-13950HX is vastly faster. In the `passmark_multithread` test, it scores 41614 versus the AMD Ryzen 7 170's 20760, a 100.5% advantage.

Q: How big is the gap in single-core performance?

A: The Intel chip leads by 24.6% in single-threaded tests, scoring 3899 compared to the AMD's 3128. This is the narrowest margin between the two processors.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 7 170 win any benchmark tests?

A: No. According to the head-to-head benchmark data, the Intel processor wins all 11 tests, with the AMD chip recording zero wins.

Q: What does the `passmark_find_prime_numbers` result indicate?

A: This test shows the largest performance gap, with Intel scoring 203 versus AMD's 49, a 314.3% difference. It indicates a massive advantage in specific integer-heavy, multi-core calculation tasks.

Q: Are these processors comparable in their average benchmark scores?

A: Their average benchmark scores are relatively close. The Intel i9-13950HX has an average of 44342, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 averages 43689. However, this average masks the fact that Intel wins every individual test.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-13950HX has a higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz, compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 170's 4.75 GHz.

Specification Differences

The specification sheets reveal why the benchmark results look the way they do. The most obvious difference is in core and thread counts: the Intel Core i9-13950HX offers 24 cores and 32 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 provides 8 cores and 16 threads. This 3x core advantage is the primary driver of the massive multi-threaded score differences. The base clocks also differ, with Intel at 2.20 GHz and AMD at a higher 3.20 GHz, although Intel's boost clock of 5.50 GHz surpasses AMD's 4.75 GHz.

Thermal design power is another key differentiator. The Intel chip is rated at 55W, while the AMD chip boasts a much lower 35W TDP. This suggests the AMD part is designed for more power-efficient systems. Memory support differs as well: Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, whereas AMD supports only DDR5. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a specified memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, a figure not provided for the Intel part. The integrated graphics also vary, with Intel featuring UHD Graphics 770 and AMD featuring Radeon 680M. Finally, the Intel chip has an unlocked multiplier, while the AMD chip is locked. The launch MSRP for the Intel is $590, while no MSRP is listed for the AMD.

Architecture Differences

These processors come from different architectural lineages and manufacturing processes. The Intel Core i9-13950HX is built on Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-HX codename, and is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node at a die size of 257 mm². The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture with the Rembrandt-R codename, fabricated by TSMC on a more advanced 6 nm process, resulting in a smaller die size of 210 mm².

The cache hierarchies are structured differently. Intel allocates 80 KB of L1 cache and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, with a large 36 MB shared L3 cache. AMD's design uses 64 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, paired with a smaller 16 MB shared L3 cache. The smaller L3 on the AMD part is likely a factor in its lower performance in tests like data compression and sorting, which rely heavily on cache residency. Both support ECC memory and have dual-channel memory buses. The PCIe support differs, with Intel offering Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only) and AMD offering Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The release dates are far apart, with Intel launching on 2023-01-03 and AMD on 2025-09-30.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-13950HX is the superior processor in every measured benchmark. For users who need maximum compute throughput, particularly in multi-threaded applications, the i9-13950HX is the only choice between these two. Its 100.5% lead in multithread scores and 134.7% lead in floating-point math make it ideal for rendering, video editing, and scientific computation. The 24.6% lead in single-thread performance also ensures it is faster in general use, even if the gap is less dramatic.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170, despite losing every test, should not be dismissed. Its 35W TDP suggests it belongs in a different class of laptop—one prioritizing battery life and portability over raw performance. For a user who primarily does light productivity, web browsing, and occasional gaming, the Ryzen 7 170's 24.6% single-thread deficit might be an acceptable trade-off for a thinner, cooler, and potentially longer-lasting device. The data shows the Intel chip is faster, but it does not show whether that speed is necessary. The choice hinges on whether the user's workload is dominated by the multi-threaded tasks where Intel is twice as fast, or the lighter tasks where it is merely a quarter faster.