AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 366H Comparison

The benchmark data in this comparison is decisively one-sided. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H wins all 11 recorded head-to-head tests against the AMD Ryzen 7 170, with margins ranging from a modest 4.7% to a dominant 85%. The Intel part also carries a higher average benchmark score of 41263 compared to the AMD's 43689, though the AMD chip holds a slightly better percentile ranking at 88 versus 87. These two mobile processors target different design priorities, and the measurements clearly favor the Intel part across every workload category recorded.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest margin in the entire comparison appears in the prime number search test. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H scores 326 against the AMD Ryzen 7 170's 49, a delta of 85%. This workload is heavily dependent on integer throughput and branch prediction, and the Intel part's results indicate a significant architectural advantage in this specific operation.

Floating point math shows the second-largest gap. Intel's score of 103615 is 56.6% ahead of AMD's 44979. This is a substantial difference for any application relying on scientific calculations, simulations, or financial modeling. The physics benchmark follows a similar pattern, with Intel at 2880 versus AMD's 890, a 69.1% lead. Physics simulations often stress both memory latency and compute throughput, and the Intel part handles both more effectively according to the data.

Multithreaded performance is another major win for Intel. The Core Ultra 7 366H records 33429 in the PassMark multithread test, while the Ryzen 7 170 manages 20760, a 37.9% difference. This aligns with the core count disparity: Intel provides 16 cores and 16 threads, while AMD provides 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel part's advantage in parallel workloads is consistent across data compression (327455 versus 265920, an 18.8% gap) and random string sorting (39814 versus 27804, a 30.2% gap).

Encryption and extended instruction tests show Intel ahead by 37.8% and 32.7% respectively. The encryption result (25845 versus 16078) indicates Intel's AES and related cryptographic instruction throughput is markedly faster. Extended instructions, which cover SIMD and other specialized operations, also favor Intel at 26901 versus 18107.

Single-thread performance, often critical for everyday responsiveness, goes to Intel as well. The Core Ultra 7 366H scores 4043 in the PassMark single-thread test, 22.6% higher than AMD's 3128. This is a meaningful gap in favor of the Intel part. Even integer math, where the margin is the smallest at 4.7% (83695 versus 79738), still lands in Intel's favor. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 does not win a single recorded head-to-head comparison.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H is faster, with a PassMark single-thread score of 4043 compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 170's 3128, a 22.6% advantage.

Q: How do the two chips compare in multithreaded performance?

A: Intel leads by a significant margin. The Core Ultra 7 366H scores 33429 in the PassMark multithread test, while the Ryzen 7 170 scores 20760, a 37.9% difference.

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

A: The largest gap is in the find prime numbers test, where Intel scores 326 versus AMD's 49, an 85% difference.

Q: Do the average benchmark scores reflect the head-to-head results?

A: Not entirely. The Intel part has a higher average benchmark score of 41263, but the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a higher average of 43689. The head-to-head tests use a different set of workloads than the average score calculation.

Q: Which CPU has a better percentile ranking among all processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 ranks at the 88th percentile, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H ranks at the 87th percentile, despite losing every head-to-head test.

Q: Is there any workload where the AMD Ryzen 7 170 comes close to Intel?

A: The closest result is in integer math, where Intel wins by only 4.7% (83695 versus 79738). This is the smallest margin in the entire comparison.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture with the Rembrandt-R codename, fabricated on a 6 nm process by TSMC. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H uses the Panther Lake architecture, also its codename, on a 3 nm process from Intel's own foundry. The process node difference is notable, with Intel using a smaller 3 nm node versus AMD's 6 nm node.

Core configuration is a major differentiator. The AMD chip has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel chip has 16 cores and 16 threads. This means the AMD part uses simultaneous multithreading to reach 16 threads from 8 physical cores, while the Intel part has 16 physical cores with no thread doubling. The Intel design provides more raw physical compute resources.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. AMD allocates 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The Intel part has a larger L3 cache and significantly more L2 cache per core, which helps explain its advantage in data-heavy workloads.

Memory support is another architectural split. AMD supports DDR5 memory only, while Intel supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X. Both use a dual-channel memory bus, but Intel's recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s is higher than AMD's 76.8 GB/s. AMD supports ECC memory, a feature Intel does not offer. PCIe connectivity also differs: AMD provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while Intel provides Gen 5 with 12 lanes.

Integrated graphics are different as well. AMD uses the Radeon 680M, while Intel uses Xe3 Graphics. The process node, core count, cache sizes, memory bandwidth, and PCIe generation all point to Intel having a more modern and capable design in this comparison.

Specification Differences

The clock speeds differ between the two parts. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. Intel's boost clock is slightly higher, while AMD's base clock is much higher.

Power consumption favors Intel in terms of the stated TDP. Intel's TDP is 25 watts, while AMD's is 35 watts. Both processors use different sockets: AMD uses AMD Socket FP7, while Intel uses Intel BGA 2540. The process node is 6 nm for AMD and 3 nm for Intel. The foundry is TSMC for AMD and Intel for Intel.

Cache specifications differ across all levels. AMD's L1 is 64 KB per core, Intel's is 192 KB per core. AMD's L2 is 512 KB per core, Intel's is 2.5 MB per core. AMD's L3 is 16 MB shared, Intel's is 18 MB shared. Memory bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s for AMD and 115.2 GB/s for Intel. ECC memory is supported by AMD but not by Intel. PCIe is Gen 4 with 20 lanes for AMD, Gen 5 with 12 lanes for Intel.

The release dates are distinct: AMD's is September 30, 2025, and Intel's is January 4, 2026. Both are mobile market segments, both are active in production, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are 100-000000989 for AMD and SA4R9Q9EL for Intel.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear choice for most workloads. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H wins every recorded head-to-head benchmark against the AMD Ryzen 7 170. Its advantages in single-thread performance (22.6%), multithreaded performance (37.9%), and memory bandwidth (115.2 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s) make it the stronger processor in this pairing.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 retains some points of interest. It has a higher average benchmark score of 43689 versus Intel's 41263, and it ranks at the 88th percentile compared to Intel's 87th. It also supports ECC memory, which matters for certain professional or reliability-focused use cases. However, these factors do not translate into wins in any of the 11 recorded head-to-head tests.

Users who prioritize raw performance in the workloads that were measured should select the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H. The margin is not close in most tests. Users who specifically require ECC memory support or who care about the higher average benchmark score and percentile ranking might consider the AMD part, but they should be aware that it trails Intel in every direct comparison recorded in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H wins in every category where data was recorded. Its largest advantages are in prime number finding (85% lead), physics simulation (69.1% lead), and floating point math (56.6% lead). These results indicate strong performance for scientific computing, engineering simulations, and any workload that relies on heavy mathematical computation.

Intel also wins in multithreaded applications by 37.9%, in data encryption by 37.8%, and in extended instruction workloads by 32.7%. Random string sorting goes to Intel by 30.2%, and data compression by 18.8%. Single-thread performance favors Intel by 22.6%, and even the closest category, integer math, goes to Intel by 4.7%. The Intel part also holds advantages in memory bandwidth (115.2 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s) and PCIe generation (Gen 5 versus Gen 4).

The AMD Ryzen 7 170's wins are not in benchmark tests but in other recorded metrics. It has a higher average benchmark score (43689 versus 41263), a higher percentile ranking (88 versus 87), a higher base clock (3.20 GHz versus 2.00 GHz), and ECC memory support. It also uses a larger process node (6 nm versus 3 nm), which may have implications for manufacturing costs, though no pricing data is available. For users who value those specific attributes, the AMD part has a rationale, but for benchmark performance, the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H is the definitive winner across the board.